metro
FG dismisses U.S. insecurity alert in Abuja, says alarm needless hype
Federal Government, yesterday, downplayed fear instigated by the United States’ (U.S.) recent security alert on Nigeria, especially Abuja, saying citizens are not in any form of danger.
Monguno was joined by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyema; Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Lucky Irabor, and Director General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Ahmed Rufai Abubakar.
The NSA said the panic, which trailed the U.S. terror alert addressed to its citizens in Nigeria, was needless. He maintained that the hype and the sense of insecurity it created were unfounded and unnecessary, urging citizens and other residents to go about their businesses without entertaining any apprehension.
He added that the Nigerian military and other security and intelligence agencies were up to the task in their duty to ensure all Nigerians and every part of the country were safe.
READ ALSO:
- Retired 68-year-old school principal remanded for defiling 10-year-old girl
- Stay of execution: Kanu heads to Supreme Court
- Naira Redesign: Dollar Scarcity Hits BDCs, Sells At N818/$ as experts forecast N1000/$1 by year end
“They’re evaluating; they’re exploiting all the materials in their possession. We’re not in the habit of disclosing whatever has been done, but the most important thing is that from the time this story started emerging, until now, about a week to 10 days, you can see that, so far, the situation has been brought under control.
“The issue of Nigerians being made to panic is unnecessary. The situation in various areas of the Federal Capital Territory has been brought under control, and we’re trying, as much as possible, to work with our neighbours and, within the domestic situation, to work with our foreign partners in a responsible way, without giving the impression that Nigeria is skating on thin ice and we’re about to implode.”
“I’ll want to dispel any illusion about any heightened sense of insecurity. It is false; it is irresponsible for anybody to give that signal.”
He said: “Perhaps, to use this opportunity to mention that; I’m sure some of you may have seen in the media, or among you, that on the night of October 29, 2002, Wawa Cantonment in Niger State was attacked.
“Of course, the alertness of the troops led to neutralisation of the attackers and vehicles that were laden with improvised explosive devices and other items were impounded, and five of those attackers were equally arrested.”
He added: “(It’s) just to use that to let you know of the level of alertness of members of the armed forces, the police and other security agencies.”
Others at the emergency meeting included: Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha; Chief of Staff to the President, Ibrahim Gambari; Minister of Defense, Major General Bashir Magashi (rtd); Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola; Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, and Minister of Police Affairs, Mohammed Maigari Dingyadi.
Guardian
metro
IBEDC Announces Major Power Outage in Ogun Region Over Network Load Restriction
IBEDC Announces Major Power Outage in Ogun Region Over Network Load Restriction
Abeokuta, Ogun State — Residents and businesses across major parts of Ogun State are bracing for a significant disruption in electricity supply following an official notice of power outage issued by the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC).
In a statement released on Saturday, October 17, 2026, and signed by the Ogun Region office, the utility company attributed the impending blackout to load restrictions on the Ota/Papalanto/Abeokuta 132kV network. According to the management, this restriction is severely impacting the available power supply to their 33kV feeders serving the region.
The notice, which was directed to “Esteemed Customers,” indicates that the power rationing will affect a vast array of communities across the state.
Providing a comprehensive list of the affected areas, IBEDC stated that customers in Itele, Iyesi, Osuke, Lafenwa, Oju-Ore, Ilogbo, Ewupe, Singer, Jacross, Ore-Meta, Iju, and Iju Love will experience reduced power supply.
Other affected locations include Mopin, Ota Industrial Estate, Housing Estate, Afobaje, Olosun, Oke-Ola, Alishiba, GRA, The Bell, Igberen, Davol, Iyana-Iyesi, Olokuta, High Court, Oloko, Obasanjo, Ayetoro, Imeko, Ilaro, Ifo, Papalanto, Ijako, Idiroko, and Odeda.
The outage also extends to Owode-Egba, Kobape, Bisodun, Omu, Arigbawonwo, Siun, Asipa, Orile-Imo, New Makun City, Pentagon Estate, Lufuwape, Ibafo, Mowe, Lotto, Olowotedo, Orimerunmu, Ofada Town, Pakuro, Ogunrun, Asa-Bala, Mayegun, and the Christ Embassy Area.
Furthermore, residents in Ijagba, Akeja, Owode Ijako, Ibogun, Ajegunle, Ilepa, Ijako Onihale, Abeokuta, and its environs are equally expected to be affected by the load restriction.
IBEDC noted that it is actively monitoring the situation in collaboration with its value chain partners to resolve the issue and restore normal supply. The company promised to keep its customers updated on any new developments regarding the network.
“We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience,” the statement concluded, acknowledging the impact the reduced power supply will have on homes, industries, and commercial activities in the affected areas.
Customers experiencing prolonged outages or requiring further clarifications have been urged to contact the company via its customer care lines at 0805 500 9999 or 0915 500 9999, or through their official social media handles.
IBEDC Announces Major Power Outage in Ogun Region Over Network Load Restriction
metro
Gunmen Kill Two Policemen, Raze Station, Patrol Van in Daring Attack on Aba Police Division
Gunmen Kill Two Policemen, Raze Station, Patrol Van in Daring Attack on Aba Police Division
ABA, ABIA STATE – A wave of grief and insecurity has gripped the commercial hub of Aba following a horrific attack by unknown gunmen on the Uratta Police Division, which left two police officers dead and properties worth millions of naira destroyed.
The brutal assault, which occurred in the early hours of Saturday, saw the assailants not only neutralize the officers on duty but also set the police station and a patrol vehicle ablaze in a display of brazen violence.
According to eyewitness accounts and confirmed by police authorities, the heavily armed hoodlums stormed the facility, firing sporadically to overwhelm the security architecture of the division. During the ensuing gun duel, two policemen paid the ultimate price, while several others sustained varying degrees of injuries.
Images from the scene of the incident, which have circulated online, depict a scene of devastation. A police operation van, parked within the premises, was completely incinerated, reduced to a charred metal shell. The attackers also torched parts of the station building before fleeing the scene, leaving a trail of panic among residents of the Uratta community.
Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) for the Abia State Command, assured the public that a manhunt has been launched to apprehend the fleeing suspects. The Command, in a statement, condemned the attack as a cowardly act and vowed that the perpetrators would be brought to book.
“The Command has lost two of its gallant officers in the line of duty. We are currently on the trail of the attackers, and we assure the public that normalcy has been restored to the area,” the PPRO stated.
Residents of the area have expressed deep concern over the recurring attacks on security formations in the South-East, calling on the government to intensify efforts to curb the rising tide of insecurity. The attack on the Uratta Division is the latest in a series of targeted assaults on police infrastructure in the region.
As of the time of filing this report, security has been beefed up around the affected division to prevent any further breakdown of law and order, while the remains of the deceased officers have been deposited at a mortuary.
Gunmen Kill Two Policemen, Raze Station, Patrol Van in Daring Attack on Aba Police Division
metro
COAS Storms Borno as Tinubu Orders Rescue of All Abductees, Destruction of Terrorist Camps
COAS Storms Borno as Tinubu Orders Rescue of All Abductees, Destruction of Terrorist Camps
MAIDUGURI — Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has arrived in Borno State as the Nigerian military intensifies its security operations following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive to rescue all abducted persons and eliminate terrorist and bandit camps across the country.
Shaibu arrived in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, at about 11 a.m. on Saturday, October 17, 2026, two days after Tinubu issued the directive to security chiefs during a meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
The army chief’s visit comes amid renewed pressure on security agencies to intensify counterterrorism operations, dismantle insurgent hideouts and secure the release of Nigerians being held captive by criminal groups.
Although it remains unclear whether the visit was directly triggered by the President’s order, Shaibu is expected to meet with theatre, field and unit commanders involved in military operations across the state.
His arrival at the headquarters of the North-East Joint Task Force, Operation Hadin Kai, at Maimalari Cantonment in Maiduguri signals continued military engagement in a region that has faced years of insurgency and attacks by armed groups.
Tinubu’s directive was disclosed on Thursday, October 15, by the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd.), after a security meeting with the President and heads of security agencies.
According to Musa, the President ordered security agencies to intensify efforts to locate and rescue all abducted persons, regardless of where they were being held.
READ ALSO:
- Omoda, Jaecoo Storm Europe as Global Sales Surge 123% to 73,421
- 16-Year-Old Girl Recounts Horror of Hookup Encounter, Says Man Threatened Her With Knife, Acid
- Ex-Super Eagles Coach Westerhof Battles Colon Cancer in Critical Condition, Wife Seeks Help
“The directive from the President is: all of us must go all out to fish out and rescue all those that have been abducted, kidnapped, wherever they are,” the minister quoted Tinubu as saying.
The President also directed security chiefs to ensure that terrorist and bandit camps were dismantled across the country.
“There shouldn’t be any camp of any terrorists or bandits anywhere in Nigeria,” Musa said, relaying the President’s position.
The directive comes as the Federal Government faces continuing security challenges, including kidnappings, terrorist attacks and the activities of armed groups in parts of northern Nigeria.
Borno remains a major theatre of counterinsurgency operations against Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), which have carried out attacks on civilians, security personnel and communities in the North-East.
Military operations under Operation Hadin Kai have focused on confronting insurgents, disrupting their movements and restoring security to affected communities. The latest visit by the army chief is expected to provide an opportunity for engagements with commanders overseeing operations on the ground.
Tinubu has also directed security chiefs to ensure adequate security for Nigerians during the elections scheduled for January, according to the Defence Minister.
The President’s instructions place renewed emphasis on rescuing abductees, dismantling armed groups’ operational bases and improving the security environment ahead of the polls.
However, the army chief’s arrival in Maiduguri should not be interpreted as confirmation that all abductees have been rescued or that terrorist camps have been eliminated. No such outcome was established in the reports announcing his visit.
The military’s next steps and any operational results from the engagements in Borno are likely to be closely watched by families of abducted persons and communities affected by insurgency.
For now, the government’s stated objective remains clear: intensify security operations, rescue people held in captivity and dismantle the camps used by terrorists and bandits to carry out attacks across Nigeria.
COAS Storms Borno as Tinubu Orders Rescue of All Abductees, Destruction of Terrorist Camps
-
metro2 days ago₦130m Toyota Tundra Wrecked: Lagos Dealer Questions Police Over Suspect’s Release
-
News2 days ago₦200m Fake Alcohol Packaging Uncovered as NAFDAC Raids Aba Market
-
metro3 days agoOutrage as Residents Scoop Groundnut Oil From Lagos Tanker Crash Scene
-
metro17 hours agoSuspended Archbishop Ibezim Drags Anglican Primate to Court, Challenges Six-Month Leave
-
metro3 days agoBorno Woman Jailed Two Years for Sexual Exploitation of 16-Year-Old Girl
-
Sports1 day agoReal Madrid Demand Tebas’ Exit After Explosive Nazi Propaganda Row
-
Politics3 days agoShettima Attacks Atiku Over Tinubu Remarks, Questions Subsidy Plan
-
News3 days agoTerrorists Storm Borno Military Post in Fierce Gun Battle, Soldiers Feared Dead