MORNING NEWS
THE HEADLINES
Tinubu Hails NDLEA Over $360m Drug Bust, Dismantling Of Nigerian-Mexican Cartel
Police Arrest Officer Over Threat To Shoot Anyone Recording Him On Duty
Gov Eno Emerges Akwa Ibom APC Candidate, Promises ARISE 2.0 Agenda
Police Arrest Five Suspected ‘One-Chance’ Robbers, Abductors In Kebbi
Nigeria–Vietnam trade volume exceeds $1b, says envoy
Ronaldo Strikes Twice To End Long Wait For Saudi Title
Now the news in details
President Bola Tinubu has commended the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for dismantling a sophisticated Nigerian-Mexican drug syndicate and uncovering a multi-million-dollar illicit drug production network operating in the country.
The President’s message was contained in a statement issued on Thursday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
NDLEA Chairman, Brigadier General Mohammed Buba Marwa (retd.), had on Wednesday announced the breakthrough following a major operation carried out by the agency in collaboration with international partners after weeks of intelligence gathering and strategic planning. According to President Tinubu, the operation, which led to the arrest of foreign nationals, local drug kingpins, and other collaborators, as well as the seizure of illicit drugs and chemicals valued at over $360 million, reflects the professionalism and commitment of the anti-narcotics agency.
The Anambra State Police Command has arrested the police officer captured in a viral video threatening to shoot anyone who recorded him while on duty, announcing that disciplinary proceedings have commenced against him.
The command identified the officer as Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Newton Isokpehi, attached to the Anambra State Command.
The disclosure was made in a statement issued on Thursday by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Finance and Administration, Ngozi Ezeabata, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu.
ASP Isokpehi sparked outrage on Wednesday after a video circulating on social media showed him threatening to “clear everybody down,” including bystanders, if anyone attempted to film him while carrying out official duties. Speaking in Pidgin English and addressing the camera directly, the officer also threatened that any superior officer who approved the filming of policemen would be made to bury the citizens he vowed to kill.
The video quickly spread across X and Instagram before it was later deleted from his TikTok account. He subsequently released another video apologising for his comments, claiming they were made out of frustration. According to the police command, swift action was taken immediately the video came to its attention.
The Commissioner of Police strongly condemns the conduct displayed by the officer in the video and reiterates that the Nigeria Police Force is a disciplined institution that will not condone misconduct, abuse of office, incitement, or any form of unprofessional behaviour capable of undermining public trust and confidence,” the statement read. The command assured residents of Anambra State and the general public that the outcome of the disciplinary process would be made public and that any officer found guilty would face appropriate sanctions in line with police regulations and the law.
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has expressed appreciation to members and supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) following his emergence as the party’s governorship candidate for the 2027 general elections.
Governor Eno spoke shortly after participating in the APC governorship primary election at Mbiakpan Obot Ward Two in Nsit Ubium Local Government Area. He described his nomination as a renewed mandate to continue serving the people of Akwa Ibom State with greater commitment and dedication.
The governor disclosed that his administration would soon set up a committee to evaluate the performance of his first term and prepare a second-term development blueprint tagged ARISE 2.0 ahead of the 2027 elections. He stressed that the electoral process should be conducted in an atmosphere of peace, tolerance, and mutual respect, noting that the collective interest of Akwa Ibom State must take precedence over political disagreements.
The governor further declared his readiness to participate in political debates ahead of the 2027 elections, saying such engagements would provide candidates with the opportunity to present their programmes and vision to the electorate.
The Kebbi State Police Command has arrested five suspected members of a robbery and abduction syndicate allegedly linked to a series of “one-chance” operations along major highways in the state. The arrests were announced in a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bashir Usman, who said the suspects were apprehended during coordinated operations conducted in Birnin Kebbi, Kalgo, Jega, Maiyama and Aliero Local Government Areas.
The suspects were identified as Abubakar Muhammad of Bancho village in Tambuwal, Shehu Ango, Shamsu Daudu, Shuaibu Umar and Aisha Usmanu. According to police investigations, the group allegedly posed as commercial vehicle operators to lure unsuspecting passengers before robbing them at knifepoint and abandoning them in isolated locations. The command disclosed that in one of the incidents, the suspects allegedly withdrew over ₦1 million from a victim’s bank account and later demanded ransom from the victim’s relatives before securing the victim’s release.
The police said ongoing investigations have connected the suspects to several other “one-chance” robbery and abduction cases across highways in the state, adding that efforts are underway to track down other fleeing members of the gang.
The Commissioner of Police advised travellers to avoid boarding suspicious vehicles along highways and instead use designated motor parks and bus terminals. The command also reassured residents of its determination to combat criminal activities and urged members of the public to continue supporting security agencies with credible information.
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FORIEGN NEWS
The Ambassador of Vietnam to Nigeria, Bui Quoc Hung, has said economic relations between Nigeria and Vietnam have reached a historic milestone, with bilateral trade exceeding $1 billion yearly in 2024 and 2025.Speaking during a media briefing yesterday to mark 50 years of diplomatic relations between both countries, Hung said trade had grown more than fourfold over the past decade, rising from about $250 million in 2015 to over $1 billion in recent years.
He said the progress reflects strengthened political trust, expanding institutional cooperation, and deeper economic ties since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1976.Hung expressed optimism that both countries will deepen collaboration in the digital economy, green growth, agriculture, mining, and human capital development, within both bilateral and multilateral frameworks such as BRICS and the United Nations.
He said a series of activities has been lined up to mark the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Nigeria and Vietnam.
SPORTS NEWS
Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice as Al Nassr clinched the Saudi Pro League title with a 4-1 win over Damac on Thursday, ending his long wait for domestic silverware.
A trademark free-kick and a close-range finish, both in the final half-hour, sealed the win Al Nassr needed on the last night of the season, with Al Hilal finishing just two points behind.
Ronaldo, 41, who was without a major club trophy since winning Serie A with Juventus in 2020, arrived in the oil-rich desert kingdom to great acclaim in 2023, wept as he watched the final minutes from the bench.
He adds the Saudi championship to his English, Spanish and Italian titles and five Champions League medals.
Tinubu Hails NDLEA Over $360m Drug Bust, Dismantling Of Nigerian-Mexican Cartel
Police Arrest Officer Over Threat To Shoot Anyone Recording Him On Duty
Gov Eno Emerges Akwa Ibom APC Candidate, Promises ARISE 2.0 Agenda
Police Arrest Five Suspected ‘One-Chance’ Robbers, Abductors In Kebbi
Nigeria–Vietnam trade volume exceeds $1b, says envoy
Ronaldo Strikes Twice To End Long Wait For Saudi Title
Now the news in details
President Bola Tinubu has commended the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for dismantling a sophisticated Nigerian-Mexican drug syndicate and uncovering a multi-million-dollar illicit drug production network operating in the country.
The President’s message was contained in a statement issued on Thursday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
NDLEA Chairman, Brigadier General Mohammed Buba Marwa (retd.), had on Wednesday announced the breakthrough following a major operation carried out by the agency in collaboration with international partners after weeks of intelligence gathering and strategic planning. According to President Tinubu, the operation, which led to the arrest of foreign nationals, local drug kingpins, and other collaborators, as well as the seizure of illicit drugs and chemicals valued at over $360 million, reflects the professionalism and commitment of the anti-narcotics agency.
The Anambra State Police Command has arrested the police officer captured in a viral video threatening to shoot anyone who recorded him while on duty, announcing that disciplinary proceedings have commenced against him.
The command identified the officer as Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Newton Isokpehi, attached to the Anambra State Command.
The disclosure was made in a statement issued on Thursday by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Finance and Administration, Ngozi Ezeabata, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu.
ASP Isokpehi sparked outrage on Wednesday after a video circulating on social media showed him threatening to “clear everybody down,” including bystanders, if anyone attempted to film him while carrying out official duties. Speaking in Pidgin English and addressing the camera directly, the officer also threatened that any superior officer who approved the filming of policemen would be made to bury the citizens he vowed to kill.
The video quickly spread across X and Instagram before it was later deleted from his TikTok account. He subsequently released another video apologising for his comments, claiming they were made out of frustration. According to the police command, swift action was taken immediately the video came to its attention.
The Commissioner of Police strongly condemns the conduct displayed by the officer in the video and reiterates that the Nigeria Police Force is a disciplined institution that will not condone misconduct, abuse of office, incitement, or any form of unprofessional behaviour capable of undermining public trust and confidence,” the statement read. The command assured residents of Anambra State and the general public that the outcome of the disciplinary process would be made public and that any officer found guilty would face appropriate sanctions in line with police regulations and the law.
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has expressed appreciation to members and supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) following his emergence as the party’s governorship candidate for the 2027 general elections.
Governor Eno spoke shortly after participating in the APC governorship primary election at Mbiakpan Obot Ward Two in Nsit Ubium Local Government Area. He described his nomination as a renewed mandate to continue serving the people of Akwa Ibom State with greater commitment and dedication.
The governor disclosed that his administration would soon set up a committee to evaluate the performance of his first term and prepare a second-term development blueprint tagged ARISE 2.0 ahead of the 2027 elections. He stressed that the electoral process should be conducted in an atmosphere of peace, tolerance, and mutual respect, noting that the collective interest of Akwa Ibom State must take precedence over political disagreements.
The governor further declared his readiness to participate in political debates ahead of the 2027 elections, saying such engagements would provide candidates with the opportunity to present their programmes and vision to the electorate.
The Kebbi State Police Command has arrested five suspected members of a robbery and abduction syndicate allegedly linked to a series of “one-chance” operations along major highways in the state. The arrests were announced in a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bashir Usman, who said the suspects were apprehended during coordinated operations conducted in Birnin Kebbi, Kalgo, Jega, Maiyama and Aliero Local Government Areas.
The suspects were identified as Abubakar Muhammad of Bancho village in Tambuwal, Shehu Ango, Shamsu Daudu, Shuaibu Umar and Aisha Usmanu. According to police investigations, the group allegedly posed as commercial vehicle operators to lure unsuspecting passengers before robbing them at knifepoint and abandoning them in isolated locations. The command disclosed that in one of the incidents, the suspects allegedly withdrew over ₦1 million from a victim’s bank account and later demanded ransom from the victim’s relatives before securing the victim’s release.
The police said ongoing investigations have connected the suspects to several other “one-chance” robbery and abduction cases across highways in the state, adding that efforts are underway to track down other fleeing members of the gang.
The Commissioner of Police advised travellers to avoid boarding suspicious vehicles along highways and instead use designated motor parks and bus terminals. The command also reassured residents of its determination to combat criminal activities and urged members of the public to continue supporting security agencies with credible information.
<
FORIEGN NEWS
The Ambassador of Vietnam to Nigeria, Bui Quoc Hung, has said economic relations between Nigeria and Vietnam have reached a historic milestone, with bilateral trade exceeding $1 billion yearly in 2024 and 2025.Speaking during a media briefing yesterday to mark 50 years of diplomatic relations between both countries, Hung said trade had grown more than fourfold over the past decade, rising from about $250 million in 2015 to over $1 billion in recent years.
He said the progress reflects strengthened political trust, expanding institutional cooperation, and deeper economic ties since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1976.Hung expressed optimism that both countries will deepen collaboration in the digital economy, green growth, agriculture, mining, and human capital development, within both bilateral and multilateral frameworks such as BRICS and the United Nations.
He said a series of activities has been lined up to mark the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Nigeria and Vietnam.
SPORTS NEWS
Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice as Al Nassr clinched the Saudi Pro League title with a 4-1 win over Damac on Thursday, ending his long wait for domestic silverware.
A trademark free-kick and a close-range finish, both in the final half-hour, sealed the win Al Nassr needed on the last night of the season, with Al Hilal finishing just two points behind.
Ronaldo, 41, who was without a major club trophy since winning Serie A with Juventus in 2020, arrived in the oil-rich desert kingdom to great acclaim in 2023, wept as he watched the final minutes from the bench.
He adds the Saudi championship to his English, Spanish and Italian titles and five Champions League medals.