CAS Commends Troops For Lassa Student Rescue, Directs Sustained Pressure On Terrorists

The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has commended personnel of the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI and their land counterparts for the successful rescue of abducted students and teachers following the terrorist attack on Government Day Secondary School, Lassa, in Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State.
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The CAS described the operation as a testament to the effectiveness of intelligence-driven joint military operations in protecting innocent Nigerians and sustaining pressure on terrorist elements.

He particularly lauded the swift deployment of Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) assets, alongside timely air support, which disrupted the terrorists’ movement and enabled ground troops to engage the fleeing insurgents and rescue the victims. According to one of the rescued victims, Mr Paul Namaske, Vice Principal of Government Day Secondary School, Lassa, the arrival of the military aircraft forced the terrorists to scatter, allowing the abducted teachers and students to escape as troops advanced on the terrorists’ position.

The CAS noted that the victim’s account further validates the critical role of air power in modern counter-terrorism operations, particularly when effectively integrated with ground manoeuvre forces.

While commending the courage, professionalism and sacrifice of the troops involved in the operation, Air Marshal Aneke paid tribute to the gallant soldier of Operation HADIN KAI and the member of the Civilian Joint Task Force who paid the supreme sacrifice during the rescue mission. He extended his heartfelt condolences to their families and affirmed that their sacrifice will continue to inspire the Armed Forces of Nigeria in the defence of the nation.

NAF

The CAS further reaffirmed the Nigerian Air Force’s unwavering commitment to working closely with sister Services and other security agencies to sustain ongoing operations aimed at restoring lasting peace and security across the country.

Ehimen Ejodame
Air Commodore
Director of Public Relations and Information
Headquarters, Nigerian Air Force.
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30 June 2026

FG Approves A Combined N4.34tn Financing For Transport, Agriculture, Power, Others

The Federal Government on Monday approved a combined N4.34tn in financing across five sectors including transportation, agriculture, power, infrastructure and small business credit.
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The approvals followed the Federal Executive Council meeting presided over by President Bola Tinubu at the Council Chamber of the State House, Abuja.

It was the first meeting in approximately three months since the council last sat on March 4, 2026, when Tinubu swore in Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu.

They span 14 separate memos presented by the Ministry of Finance.

The approvals include N215bn in naira-denominated investments in transport, $900m (approximately N1.24tn) for agricultural and rural development, $160m (approximately N220.6bn) for Niger State solar energy from the Islamic Development Bank, $1.2bn (approximately N1.65tn) for the Sokoto-Badagry Super Highway, and a combined $500m (approximately N689.5bn) and €200m (approximately N315.6bn) for MSME financing through the Development Bank of Nigeria.

Briefing State House correspondents after the meeting, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, said “We had 14 memos for the Ministry of Finance. You would imagine I’m not going to take you through all of them one by one, but council made very strategic decisions, which I have decided to categorise under five headings.”

On transportation, Oyedele said council ratified a series of previously anticipated presidential approvals covering the CNG bus initiative, electric vehicles, CNG-powered tricycles and vehicle conversion kits, unlocking the remaining investment tranche needed to complete those programmes.

“As many of you will recall, Mr President had introduced initiatives on CNG buses, electric vehicles, CNG fuel tricycles and conversion kits. Some of these investments had already been made based on anticipatory approval by Mr President, given the urgency of those interventions and council today approved.

“What that means is the remaining investment that needs to be made can now go ahead. The total amount is about N215bn,” he said.

Four memos on agricultural development were approved at a combined $900m, covering financing for agricultural and rural technical-vocational training, special agro-industrial processing zones and green valuation for growth projects, he stated.

The Council approved a $160m credit facility from the Islamic Development Bank for Niger State solar energy development projects.

The Islamic Development Bank will provide $150m and the Niger State government will contribute $10m as counterpart funding.

“I attended the AGM of the Islamic Development Bank about one or two weeks ago, and these were some of the conversations we had on how to finance development using concessional facilities,” Oyedele said.

Council also approved financing of approximately $1.2bn for section two of the Sokoto-Badagry Super Highway, covering the Kebbi State portion of the corridor.

According to Oyedele, the final category covered two memos providing affordable financing for small businesses, one of €200m and another of $500m, to be channelled through the Development Bank of Nigeria.

He explained, “We all know that the bulk of employment as well as economic activities in Nigeria is done by small businesses, so we always have to think about how to support that sector, because supporting them is supporting ourselves and our country.

Responding to questions about fuel pump prices, which remain elevated despite a decline in global crude oil prices following the easing of Middle East tensions, Oyedele said a structured process was already under way to address what he described as an asymmetric pricing problem where operators adjust prices upward quickly when costs rise but resisting downward adjustments when they fall.

“The way the market tends to work is that when prices are going up, operators make adjustments very quickly under the excuse of replacement cost. But when prices come down, the prices don’t go down as fast, the excuse is always unsold inventory, old stock.

“This is something we need to always balance. We do not want our operators and businesses to go out of business, but we also do not want them to exploit the Nigerian people.

“Trying to strike that balance requires some work on the part of the regulators and ensuring that we are very honest and transparent with ourselves,” he said.

He noted that the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, which has statutory powers under the Petroleum Industry Act to ensure market-reflective prices that do not take advantage of consumers, were already addressing the matter.

Taiwo Oyedele

“There is already an ongoing process to address this issue,” he said.

Oyedele also pushed back on suggestions that the government’s transport cost-mitigation measures had failed, pointing out that fuel products in Nigeria currently attracted no taxes after presidential suspensions of VAT, excise and surcharge.

He argued, “Many people have said that when the crisis in Iran started, many countries reduced taxes on fuel products, what is Nigeria doing? Well, actually in Nigeria there are no taxes on fuel products.

“Mr President suspended VAT, excise as well as the surcharge on fuel products. This is the main reason why you find that pump prices in our neighbouring countries are between 20 and 50 per cent lower than in Nigeria. It would have been worse.

“So let’s say it’s a bad situation that we are paying more for transportation, but it would have been worse without those interventions by the government.”

Oyedele also appealed to operators who have converted to CNG which is a cheaper fuel than petrol but are reportedly charging passengers the same fares as petrol-powered vehicles.

“With this huge investment in CNG conversion kits, some of which are subsidised by government, you find the person using CNG is charging the same amount as the person using petrol.

“Now that’s not government anymore, it’s just us taking advantage of the situation.

“If we all play our part and are very honest and think about the interest of our country, I think we will make progress faster,” he said.
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Stakeholders Demand Probe of APC Ekiti Primary Over Alleged Electoral Violations

Fresh controversy has erupted over the All Progressives Congress House of Representatives primary election for Ekiti North Federal Constituency II, as concerned stakeholders have called on the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) to investigate allegations surrounding the eligibility of one of the aspirants, Hon. Ibrahim Olanrewaju, as well as the conduct of the exercise.
The stakeholders alleged that Olanrewaju, who serves as Special Assistant to Bola Ahmed Tinubu on National Assembly Matters, contested in the APC primary election without complying with the President’s directive requiring all political appointees seeking elective office in the 2027 general elections to resign on or before March 31, 2026.
According to the group, although the directive was communicated through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Olanrewaju allegedly remained in office beyond the deadline and continued receiving salary payments.
They claimed to possess documentary evidence, including what they described as a verified May 2026 payslip, indicating that the presidential aide remained on the Federal Government payroll after the resignation deadline, raising concerns over his qualification to participate in the APC primary election.
The stakeholders argued that the alleged action contravenes Section 88(1) of the Electoral Act 2026, which bars political appointees from voting or being voted for at political party conventions, congresses, and primary elections.
They also cited President Tinubu’s resignation directive alongside the Supreme Court ruling in Tukur v. Mustapha, which they said reinforces the legal requirement for political appointees seeking elective office to vacate their positions before participating in party primaries.
In a statement issued by the group, they said:
“Contrary to the presidential directive, credible evidence now indicates that Hon. Ibrahim Olanrewaju continued to receive salary payments even beyond the stipulated resignation deadline. This raises serious legal and moral questions about his qualification to participate in the party’s primary election.”
The stakeholders further alleged that Olanrewaju publicly claimed to have resigned in compliance with the directive, insisting that the claim contradicts documents currently in their possession.
Beyond the eligibility issue, the group also challenged the credibility of the primary election itself, alleging widespread irregularities capable of significantly affecting the outcome.
According to them, no voter accreditation process was conducted in any ward across Ilejemeje Local Government Area, contrary to provisions of the Electoral Act.
They further alleged that in Ipere Ward, where 357 delegates were reportedly registered, another aspirant was credited with 782 votes, describing the figure as clear evidence of vote inflation.
The stakeholders also accused government agents of preventing supporters of rival aspirants from voting in parts of Ido/Osi Local Government Area, including Ayetoro Wards 1 and 2, Usi Ward, and Otun Wards 1 and 2, alleging intimidation and disruption during the exercise.
They equally questioned the neutrality of officials who supervised the primary, alleging that Local Government Chairmen and APC Local Government Chairmen with vested interests in the outcome were appointed as returning officers, creating what they described as a conflict of interest.
Maintaining that no credible primary election took place, the stakeholders alleged:
“There are widespread claims that no actual primary election took place and that results were instead written in his favour. Numerous video evidences are said to exist exposing the irregularities that characterized the entire exercise.”
The group said the evidence in its possession includes video recordings of the exercise, documents related to the conduct of the primary, and the May 2026 payslip, urging the APC leadership to examine the materials thoroughly.
They called on the APC National Working Committee to investigate the allegations and determine whether the exercise complied with the Electoral Act, the APC Constitution, and the party’s guidelines.
According to the statement:
“The APC cannot afford to condone actions that undermine its democratic processes. Aspirants who have shown genuine commitment to the party, invested resources, maintained strong ties with constituents, and demonstrated proven records of service should not be sidelined through questionable practices.”
The stakeholders further urged the party leadership to thoroughly investigate all pending appeals and ensure justice, fairness, and transparency prevail, warning that the credibility of the APC and confidence among party members depend on the outcome.
They argued that if the allegations are established, the actions would amount to a breach of public trust.
“He deceived Mr President. He deceived the party. He deceived Ekiti people. He deceived Nigerians. He who must come to equity must come with clean hands.”
The stakeholders warned that failure to address the controversy surrounding the primary election could undermine confidence in the APC’s internal democratic process and affect the party’s chances of retaining the Ekiti North Federal Constituency II seat in the 2027 general elections.
As of the time of filing this report, Hon. Ibrahim Olanrewaju had not publicly responded to the allegations, while the All Progressives Congress had yet to issue an official statement on the matter. Efforts to obtain reactions from both parties were unsuccessful before publication.