"Majority of Bandits Neutralised, Only Few Scattered Elements Remain"— Defence Minister,Matawalle.

The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has stated that most b+ndit leaders and their followers have been neutralised, noting that only a few scattered elements remain. He added that President Bola Tinubu has directed Operation FANSAN YAMMA troops to eliminate the remaining bandits in the North-West.

SaharaReporters previously reported that the Kebbi State Police confirmed the abduction of at least 25 students from the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, Danko/Wasagu LGA, on Monday morning.

The attack by heavily armed bandits resulted in the d+ath of one staff member and injury to another, CSP Nafi’u Abubakar Kotarkoshi said. The incident reportedly occurred around 4am, with assailants engaging police officers in a gun battle.

Matawalle made his remarks during a visit to the Theatre Command Headquarters, following Juma’at prayers at the Command Mosque.

According to his Director of Information, Ibrahim Sule, he conveyed President Tinubu’s appreciation for the troops’ courage, patriotism, and achievements in dismantling bandit formations across the Northwest.

He told the soldiers: “Most key bandit leaders and their foot soldiers have been neutralised through your gallant effort. What remains now are scattered elements, and the Commander-in-Chief has directed that these must be completely eliminated. You have every support needed logistics, equipment, welfare, and morale to finish the job.”

Matawalle was received by Theatre Commander Maj. Gen. Warrah Bello Idris, who briefed him on recent operations, including neutralising high-value targets and reclaiming communities previously under bandit control. The minister praised the troops’ resilience, calling their sacrifices the foundation for peace returning to Zamfara and neighbouring states.

Addressing officers and soldiers, Matawalle urged sustained vigilance and discipline, assuring them that total victory was near. “Your sacrifices will never be in vain. The President, the nation, and soon the people of this region will sleep peacefully,” he declared.

Just In: Travellers Stranded as Terrorists Launch Attack on Eruku–Egbe Road in Kwara — Sahara Reporters

Terrorists reportedly launched an attack on travellers along the Eruku–Egbe road in the Eruku area of Ekiti Local Government, Kwara State, on Monday, forcing vehicles to a halt.

According to footage obtained by SaharaReporters, several buses and trucks were seen parked by the roadside as commuters fled into nearby bushes for safety.

An eyewitness confirmed that the attackers were still active in the area as of Monday afternoon, advising motorists to avoid the route until security operatives restore order.

This latest incident comes after gunmen attacked a commercial bus on Sunday along the Ayere–Kabba road in Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State, killing one passenger and injuring several others.

The attack reportedly occurred around 5pm when armed men ambushed travellers on the busy road. While some vehicles escaped, many passengers were shot.

“One person was confirmed dead at the general hospital, while others are being treated for gunshot wounds,” a source said.

Residents say the Ayere–Kabba and Eruku–Egbe corridors have increasingly become hotspots for armed attacks, with gangs believed to be operating between Kogi and Kwara States.

"Bandits Are On a Revenge Mission But They’re Ready for Peace Talks Unlike IPOB That Wants To Leave Nigeria" – Sheikh Gumi.

Kaduna-based Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has once again stirred controversy by defending armed bandit groups operating across northern Nigeria, insisting that their attacks are driven by “revenge missions” rather than unprovoked violence.

Speaking in an interview on Trust TV on Friday, monitored by SaharaReporters, Gumi argued that Fulani herdsmen and bandit groups “do not attack people without cause.”

He referenced a past visit by former Bauchi State Governor Isa Yuguda to meet thousands of bandits in the forest, claiming the armed groups complained of losing family members and suffering various forms of hostility.

“Yes, I know they have killed, and it’s wrong to kill anybody innocent. This is absolutely an obnoxious thing to do. We don’t support that. But if you know their psychology, they are on a revenge mission,”
Gumi stated.

While acknowledging the violence perpetrated by the groups, the cleric insisted they were motivated by grievances rooted in perceived injustices, stressing that Fulani herdsmen had lived peacefully with other communities for centuries.

He urged the Tinubu administration to prioritize dialogue, rehabilitation, and reintegration, rather than relying heavily on military offensives.

“What the government needs to do is bring them together in a holistic form so that there is peace. They are ready for that. If you call them for peace, they come,”
Gumi added.

The cleric also sparked further debate by contrasting the bandits with members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), whom he accused of rejecting dialogue and pursuing secession.

“It’s unlike IPOB. The government has been trying to dialogue with them; they refuse. They are secessionists. Besides being terrorists, they are secessionists. Well, these people (bandits) are not secessionists. They want peace,”
he said.

Gumi has repeatedly advocated for amnesty and negotiation with bandits, a position that has drawn widespread criticism amid escalating insecurity in the North.

Nigerian Shari’ah Council Asks Tinubu To Immediately Sack INEC Chairman, Prof Amupitan Over 'Legal Brief On Genocide’.

The Shari'ah Council's call on Saturday followed SaharaReporters’ exclusive report that revealed that Professor Amupitan once authored a legal brief in 2020 containing

The Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria (SCSN) has called on President Bola Tinubu to immediately reverse the appointment of the newly inaugurated Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman, Prof Joash Ojo Amupitan.

The Shari'ah Council's call on Saturday followed SaharaReporters’ exclusive report that revealed that Professor Amupitan once authored a legal brief in 2020 containing

exclusively obtained the report titled "Nigeria's Silent Slaughter" where the Senior Advocate of Nigeria, in his legal brief, called for urgent intervention to stop what he termed “pogrom and attacks against the Christians and minority groups in Nigeria.”

Amupitan, recently appointed by President Bola Tinubu to head the country's electoral commission, had titled his contribution, “Legal Brief: Genocide in Nigeria – The Implications for the International Community."

The document published by the International Committee on Nigeria (ICON), a global advocacy network promoting human rights and religious freedom — was officially signed under Amupitan’s law firm, Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN) & Co., Legal Practitioners & Corporate Consultants, with offices in Jos and Abuja.

The Shari'ah council described Amupitan's legal brief as “provocative, distorted and bigoted assertions” against Muslims in Northern Nigeria.

In a statement issued on Friday, November 7, 2025 (16th Jumada I 1447 AH), the SCSN said it received with “deep disappointment and grave concern” the SaharaReporters investigation alleging that Amupitan’s 2020 legal document characterised Northern violence as “Christian genocide” and linked the insecurity in the North to the 19th-century Jihad of Sheikh Uthman bn Fodio.

Retired Police Officer Collapses as Aggrieved Ex-Police Personnel Protest Unpaid Pensions at National Assembly.

A retired police officer collapsed on Thursday at the National Assembly Complex, Abuja, as hundreds of former Nigeria Police Force personnel staged a mass protest over the non-payment of their pensions and entitlements.

The retirees many frail and elderly gathered at the main gate with placards reading “We Are Dying in Silence,” “Pay Us Our Pensions,” and “35 Years of Service, Nothing to Show.” Their demonstration briefly disrupted movement around the complex as they chanted solidarity songs and accused the Federal Government of abandoning them.

Eyewitnesses told SaharaReporters that a retiree in his late 70s suddenly slumped while chanting. He was revived after first aid was administered by security personnel.

Operating under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) Police Retirees Association, the protesters said they had been reduced to hardship despite serving the country for over three decades. They demanded to be removed from the CPS which they described as exploitative and reinstated into the old Defined Benefits Scheme that guaranteed stable post-service welfare.

Their action follows a similar protest in October, which saw human rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore join them in solidarity. Sowore had called the CPS a “fraudulent arrangement” and criticised the government for subjecting retirees to poverty.

“I’m not just fighting for the police; I’m fighting with retired police officers,” Sowore told the crowd. “Those holding your destinies must know Nigerians will not continue to suffer in silence.”

He also urged retirees across all security agencies and the civil service to unite, saying the struggle affects everyone.

Tinubu jets to the U.S. on Tuesday to meet Trump’s Vice President, JD Vance.

President Bola Tinubu is scheduled to visit the United States on Tuesday for high-level diplomatic talks amid growing tension following President Donald Trump’s warning about alleged killings of Christians in Nigeria.

According to presidency sources quoted by SaharaReporters, Tinubu’s visit will focus on strengthening security and diplomatic cooperation between both nations. Trump has reportedly delegated his Vice President, James David Vance, to meet with Tinubu during the trip, barring any last-minute changes.

Daniel Bwala, Media Aide to President Tinubu, confirmed that both leaders share a strong commitment to combating terrorism and promoting global peace. He noted that the Trump administration had previously supported Nigeria through arms sales, which Tinubu’s government continues to utilize in the fight against insurgency.

He added that any differences between both governments regarding the religious nature of terrorism in Nigeria would be addressed during the meeting.

The visit comes after Trump’s recent threat to cut U.S. aid to Nigeria or deploy American troops if the Nigerian government fails to stop what he described as the “killing of Christians.” The Nigerian presidency has since dismissed the claims, insisting there is no state-sponsored persecution of Christians.

Tinubu maintained that Nigeria’s constitution guarantees freedom of religion and equal rights for all citizens, describing Trump’s remarks as a “mischaracterization” of the nation’s religious landscape. He reiterated his administration’s commitment to promoting unity, tolerance, and continued cooperation with the U.S. and other international partners.

Ekiti Government constructs ₦1.8 billion lodge for Governor Oyebanji and his deputy in Abuja amid funding concerns.

The Ekiti State Government has reportedly spent ₦470 million on the construction of a new ₦1.8 billion lodge in Abuja for Governor Biodun Oyebanji and his deputy, Monisade Afuye, sparking public concern over the state’s spending priorities.

According to official budget records, the funds were allocated for the “construction of new governor and deputy governor lodge, Asokoro, Abuja.” A review by SaharaReporters showed that ₦470 million was expended between January and September 2025.

The report also revealed that a separate ₦320 million contract was awarded on October 8, 2025, for the construction of a guest house chalet within the Government House, with the contract issued to a permanent secretary in the Government House and Protocol Department.

This comes at a time when many agencies in the state have struggled to access funds for essential capital projects. An audit of Ekiti’s 2024 financial report indicated that 35 government agencies received no capital funding despite having a combined budget of ₦3.3 billion.

Among the affected institutions were the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Deputy Governor’s Office, Ekiti State Mortgage Board, Civil Service Commission, and several liaison offices and agencies responsible for public development, housing, and healthcare.

Further investigations revealed that numerous multi-million naira contracts — including those for the Ekiti Airport Project, transformer installations, and other infrastructure works — were awarded to “permanent secretaries” rather than independent contractors, raising questions about transparency and due process.

Critics have accused the state government of misplacing priorities by funding luxury projects for political officeholders while neglecting crucial sectors like education, healthcare, and infrastructure.

The development has reignited calls for accountability and stricter monitoring of public expenditure in Ekiti State.

Borno Spent ₦2.6bn on “Repentant” Boko Haram Members as Soldiers Warn of Leaks.

A review of Borno State’s 2025 third-quarter budget performance shows ₦2.6 billion was spent on “livelihood support for repentant Boko Haram members” between January and September, with ₦758.1 million disbursed in July–September alone.

The document also reveals limited health capital spending: the Primary Healthcare Development Board received ₦2.076 billion of an ₦8.7 billion budget for the period, while the Hospitals Management Board spent just ₦1.2 billion against a ₦10.5 billion appropriation.

Meanwhile, frontline soldiers in Yobe and Borno told SaharaReporters that some government-backed “repentant” insurgents have been leaking sensitive military information — including troop routines, weapon locations and base alarm points — to their former commanders. 

One soldier said repentant fighters routinely inform terrorists about camp schedules (noting evenings between 4:00pm and 7:00pm) and the location of armouries containing rifles, GMPGs, RPGs, PKTs, grenades and explosives, making troops “extremely vulnerable.”

The reports note that, despite billions spent on reintegration, attacks by the same sects persist. 

In April, Governor Babagana Zulum warned of Boko Haram regrouping around Lake Chad and the Mandara Hills and said the state has received more than 300,000 repentants in three years. 

He urged greater military manpower, more air support, sophisticated drones and anti-drone systems, and a combination of kinetic and non-kinetic strategies to curb the growing threat.

Nigerian Police Arrest Sowore At Federal High Court In Abuja.

Sowore was picked up shortly after leaving the at the Federal High Court, where he had appeared on Thursday.

Human rights activist and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has been arrested by the police in Abuja.

Sowore was picked up shortly after leaving the at the Federal High Court, where he had appeared on Thursday.

According to information obtained by SaharaReporters, the arrest was ordered by the Commissioner of Police in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Sowore, who was scheduled to appear before Justice Emeka Nwite over what he described as a “bogus and farcical” charge of alleged forgery of a police wireless message, filed under the instruction of the “illegal Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun”, was informed at the court that the judge would not be sitting.

A source disclosed that a police officer approached Sowore, informing him that he was under arrest on the orders of the FCT Commissioner of Police.

Members of his legal team, led by human rights lawyer Tope Temokun, immediately confronted the officers, demanding to know the reason for the sudden arrest. However, the police insisted they were acting on “direct instruction” from the Commissioner and proceeded to escort Sowore into a waiting vehicle.

Sowore, a long-time critic of government policies, is known for leading several pro-democracy and human rights movements across Nigeria.

Sowore movement, has faced multiple arrests and legal battles since 2019 over his criticism of government corruption and demand for good governance.

Nigerian Federal Workers Coordinator, Andrew Emelieze Faces Court Trial In Ibadan For Leading Peaceful Protest.

They recalled that it was a collective decision of members of the forum to protest on July 1, 2025, if their demands were not met, stressing that such civic action should not be criminalised.

The National Coordinator of the Federal Workers Forum, Andrew Emelieze, is set to be charged at the Federal High Court, Ibadan, on Tuesday (today).

In a statement sent to SaharaReporters on Tuesday, it was noted that the charge is to defend himself "against the four count charges brought against him by the Nigerian state through the DSS revolving around organising April 23, 2025 protest demanding for the payment of outstanding five months wage award, calling for protest in Aso rock gate on July 1st, 2025, formation of the Federal Workers Forum/ incitement and cyber bullying."

"Nigeria is not a banana republic. Protest cannot be a crime and the right to freedom of association is part of our fundamental human rights," the statement read in part.

He also appreciated "Comrade Femi Aborisade and the ABOPE Chambers for the free legal services."

"Comrade Femi Falana (SAN) has been of immense help in this battle. His Excellency, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, former Vice President of Nigeria spoke out loud against my detention by the DSS."

"Many more lawyers and the citizenry have also shown immense solidarity. The mass media, the civil society groups and many activist have not relented in calling for justice. I appreciate all the federal workers, friends and my family. I thank God for He has given us Victory," he further wrote.

"We shall overcome. We will not be silenced."

In September, the Federal Workers Forum (FWF) had called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene and ensure the withdrawal of court charges filed against its National Coordinator, Comrade Andrew Emelieze, describing his arrest and detention as “a deliberate set up to silence the federal workers.”

16 Military Officers arrested over alleged Coup Plot against President Tinubu.

At least sixteen senior military officers are currently in custody following allegations of a coup plot to topple President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, SaharaReporters has revealed.

Arrests and Official Denial
According to the online publication, the officers, ranging from the rank of Captain to Brigadier General were picked up from various locations across the country in a coordinated operation by the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) and other security bodies.

While the Defence Headquarters initially described the arrests as part of a “routine military exercise” involving “issues of indiscipline and breach of service regulations,” sources within the military said the official explanation was a smokescreen to avoid panic.

“The 16 officers were planning a coup. The military authorities were just being diplomatic in the statement released by the spokesperson,” a senior DIA official was quoted as saying. “They had begun holding secret meetings to overthrow the President and announce a military government.”

Official Statement
In its earlier release, the Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, said the officers’ detention followed internal investigations into misconduct and disobedience.

“Investigations have revealed that their grievances stemmed largely from perceived career stagnation caused by repeated failure in promotion examinations, among other issues,” Gusau stated. “Some of the apprehended officers had been under jurisdiction for various offences, either awaiting or undergoing trial. Their conduct was deemed incompatible with the standards of military service.”

Foiled Plot and Security Concerns
However, insiders insisted that the arrests were linked to an attempted coup that was foiled after intelligence agencies intercepted communications and meeting plans.

A top source disclosed that the conspirators planned to execute the coup during the October 1 Independence Day parade, targeting President Tinubu and other senior officials in attendance.

“Yes, they were arrested for planning to stage a coup and take over government,” the source confirmed. “That was why the Independence Day parade marking the country’s 65th anniversary was abruptly cancelled. Intelligence indicated they intended to strike during the event.”

Bayelsa Governor Duoye Diri, 17 Lawmakers Resign From PDP.

According to the post, the governor has resigned from the party alongside the 17 House of Assembly members in the state.

The Bayelsa State governor, Duoye Diri, has announced his resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

He made this announcement through his Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Alabrah who communicated the development on his Facebook Page on Wednesday.

According to the post, the governor has resigned from the PDP alongside 17 members of the House of Assembly in the state.

Two other lawmakers from the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) also tendered their resignation.

While it is unclear where the governor is headed, on May 1, 2025, SaharaReporters reported that no fewer than 27 political aides of Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State were dismissed following their participation in the inauguration of the Bayelsa State chapter of a grassroots-based political movement, The NEW Associates.

The affected aides were reportedly dismissed after attending the inauguration of the Bayelsa chapter of The NEW Associates and participating in a mega rally held in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike.

Governor Diri's resignation comes a day after the Enugu State governor, Peter Mbah, also abandoned the PDP.

SaharaReporters earlier reported that Governor Mbah announced his defection to APC on Tuesday during a press conference, saying the move was driven by his desire to better serve the people of Enugu and align with the APC’s “vision for development and progress.”

He formally defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) alongside his immediate predecessor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, state and federal lawmakers, among others.

In a broadcast to the Enugu people, Mbah announced his decision to leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and join the APC, citing a desire for a platform where the people's interest would be represented and respected.

Findings by SaharaReporters revealed that EFCC officials carried out operations in the APC Quarters in Suleja, Niger State, over several consecutive days, conducting raids in the early hours of the morning. Sources say the raids began last Wednesday.

Lagos NURTW Chairman Threatens To Punish Voters Who Reject APC In 2027, Faces DSS Interrogation.

The Department of State Services (DSS) has interrogated the Lagos State Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Alhaji Mustapha Adekunle, popularly called Sego, after he was caught on video warning that those who refuse to vote for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027 would face consequences.

In the footage from a recent NURTW meeting, Adekunle declared, “Anyone who refuses to vote for APC or who says he has decided to vote against APC will be dealt with, the person will learn a lesson. If you say you will not listen to us, we too will not agree.”

The DSS summoned him over the remarks. However, in a video released afterwards, Adekunle denied threatening anyone and claimed his words were twisted. “I was invited by the DSS, and they asked me about my statements and said someone reported me. I didn’t threaten anyone; this is propaganda. I was only talking about our union, and it’s my rivals who misinterpreted me,” he said.

His denial contrasts with the initial video in which he clearly warned voters against rejecting APC.

Concerns over voter intimidation in Lagos are not new. During the 2023 elections, SaharaReporters documented how hoodlums disrupted voting at polling unit 005 in Sangotedo, Lagos, chasing away voters. 

Earlier, then-Chairman of the Lagos State Parks Management Committee, Musiliu Akinsanya (MC Oluomo), was filmed threatening residents, “We have begged them. If they don’t want to vote for us, it doesn’t call for a fight. Iya Chukwudi, if you don’t want to vote for us, stay at home.” The viral video drew widespread condemnation.

In September, SaharaReporters also reported that thugs allegedly backed by police officers attacked the team of Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, the Labour Party’s 2023 Lagos governorship candidate. 

His photographer was hacked with a machete and left unconscious. “The people that came are thugs and they were guarded by the police; they macheted me and left me for dead. This is the height of it,” the victim recounted.

Kwara Emir allegedly Orders Arrest of Youth Leader Over Protest Against Insecurity.

The Emir of Tsaragi in Kwara State, Alhaji Aliyu Abdullahi Kpotwa Goshi II, has allegedly ordered the arrest of Musa Saidu Tsaragi, leader of the Take-It-Back Movement (TIB), after youths staged a peaceful protest against kidnappings and banditry in the community.

Saidu told SaharaReporters that the monarch became unsettled by Sunday’s demonstration in Edu Local Government Area, which he coordinated. “On Sunday I led a protest of kidnipping and banditry in the Taragi community, and it was peaceful and we’ll coordinate,” he said.

According to him, he was invited to the Emir’s palace on Monday, where he was hara§§ed and accused of leading protesters to the palace. “So yesterday evening, the Emir of Taragi… called a meeting that the police of Taragi Division should get me arrested,” Saidu alleged. “I want to inform you that Estu Tsaragi said the police should arrest me because I led a protest yesterday.”

The protest came hours after gunmen abducted a local businessman, Suleiman Ndana. Residents said Ndana placed a distress call before the attackers broke into his home, but security operatives never showed up. The kidnippers reportedly spared his pregnant wife after he surrendered himself.

The youths, chanting solidarity songs, demanded that Fulani settlers leave Tsaragi land and called on the Emir to convey their grievances to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, accusing him of failing to protect communities in Kwara North.

DSS Director-General Ajayi Places ₦20million Bounty, Detains 16 Officers Over Promotion Exam Scandal Exposed.

According to insider sources, the scandal involved allegations of widespread malpractice and manipulation of the agency’s internal promotion exams.

The Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi, has reportedly placed a ₦20million bounty and ordered the detention of 16 DSS officers following revelations surrounding a promotion examination scandal exposed by SaharaReporters.

According to insider sources, the scandal involved allegations of widespread malpractice and manipulation of the agency’s internal promotion exams.

The exposé detailed how senior officers colluded to inflate scores, favour preferred candidates, and undermine the integrity of the process, sparking outrage both within and outside the Service.

"His main focus is to find those officers in the DSS leaking the infractions to SaharaReporters. He even sent a senior DSS officer to reach out to people he felt were close to human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore, last week," a top source informed this newspaper on Saturday.

On September 8 that operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) expressed outrage over what they described as the "inhumane and chaotic conditions" that characterised the agency’s recent promotion examination exercise, which reportedly led to the death of eight officers.

The tragedy occurred as many personnel were forced to fund their own travel and accommodation for the exams, with no financial support from the agency.

The situation, sources had said, created extreme hardship and anxiety, ultimately costing the lives of officers who collapsed or fell ill while struggling to meet the demands of the process.

Nigerian Soldiers Fighting Boko Haram Lament About Allegedly Getting Paid N20,000 Out of N100,000 Monthly Allowance.

Fresh findings by SaharaReporters have revealed that Nigerian soldiers deployed to the North-East for counter-insurgency operations against Boko Haram receive only N20,000 monthly from the N100,000 Scarce Skills Allowance (SSA) approved by the Federal Government.

Several soldiers who spoke on the matter expressed frustration that, despite official approvals dating back to 2017, they are still being denied their full entitlements.

“Yes, the Federal Government approved N100,000 per soldier, but we only receive N20,000,” one soldier said. “The Air Force recently raised theirs to N50,000, but the Army has refused. This underpayment started under former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (retd.).”

The SSA was one of several welfare packages introduced in November 2017 by former President Muhammadu Buhari under the Manual of Financial Administration for the Armed Forces of Nigeria (MAFA). The document explicitly provides for N100,000 monthly payment to all military personnel, regardless of rank.

However, soldiers told SaharaReporters they are still being paid between N20,000 and N30,000, in clear vi%lation of the guidelines.

This revelation echoes similar allegations published in 2021, when troops accused the Army leadership under Buratai of diverting allowances. At the time, soldiers complained that their Uniform and Boot Allowance, along with the SSA approved since 2017, had either been unpaid or grossly reduced.

One soldier explained: “The Scarce Skills Allowance approved by the President in 2017 was N100,000, but the Army only began paying in 2020 and even then, Privates to Corporals got N20,000, Sergeants and Staff Sergeants N25,000, while Warrant Officers received N30,000. Uniform and boot allowances have not been paid at all.”

The aggrieved soldiers are calling on President Bola Tinubu to direct anti-corruption agencies such as the EFCC and ICPC to investigate the non-payment and diversion of their welfare funds.

Flooding On Edo Dilapidated Highway Causes Chaos As Tanker Falls In Benin.

Another truck, a trailer suspected to be carrying cement, was also seen trapped in the flood.

A section of the federal road passing through Benin City has been rendered impassable due to flooding, leading to a truck carrying petroleum products to fall.

The incident occurred when the truck driver lost control of the vehicle as it navigated the flooded stretch of the highway.

Although the exact product being transported by the truck could not be immediately ascertained, a video footage obtained by SaharaReporters showed the moment the truck caved in and fell into the flood.

Another truck, a trailer suspected to be carrying cement, was also seen trapped in the flood.

Motorists have expressed frustration and disappointment over the state of the road, lamenting the federal government's priority on new projects over the rehabilitation of existing highways.

"This is a section of the federal road passing through Benin City. This road is a multi-network route leading to several parts of Nigeria. Yet, the federal government abandoned it to focus on a white elephant road project - the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway," a motorist exclaimed.

The motorist further emphasised that the government's action "reeks of irresponsibility of the highest order."

Alleged ICAN Exam Impersonation: Video Purportedly Shows Proxy Writing on Behalf of Taraba Finance Commissioner, Sarah Adi.

A video published on Monday appears to show a woman identified as Leavitt (Livet) Felix being confronted by exam supervisors for allegedly sitting a professional examination of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) on behalf of Dr. Sarah Enoch Adi, Taraba State Commissioner for Finance, Budget & Economic Planning.

In the clip, the invigilators question the candidate’s identity; the woman gives her name as Leavitt Felix and, when asked who she is writing for, she mentions “Sarah Enoch Adi.” The footage was released by SaharaReporters and amplified across SaharaTV’s channels.

The report alleges that the suspect said she had been contracted by a person named “Joshua” to take the paper and that she did not personally know Dr. Adi. The exchange in the hall shows supervisors cross-checking registration details against the name Sarah Enoch Adi before escalating the matter.

Independent outlets quickly mirrored the story as the clip circulated on social media. As of press time, ICAN has opened an investigation into the viral video.

However, no formal findings have been announced, and there is no public statement from Dr. Adi or the Taraba State Government responding to the allegation. This story therefore remains alleged pending the outcome of ICAN’s probe and any law-enforcement action.

The emergence of this video has sparked widespread reactions, with many Nigerians questioning the integrity of public officials and the examination system. Until official investigations are conducted and responses are issued by both the Commissioner and ICAN, the case remains an allegation. What is clear, however, is that the controversy has put a spotlight on the need for stronger safeguards against impersonation in professional examinations.

Taraba Finance Commissioner Implicated in ICAN Exam Impersonation Scandal Amid Calls for Her Removal
An exclusive video obtained by SaharaReporters shows a woman named Leavitt Felix caught impersonating Sarah Enoch Adi, the Taraba State Commissioner for Finance, during an ICAN (Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria) examination.

In the footage, exam supervisors confront Felix, who admits to writing the exam for Adi. Although she initially claimed she didn’t know Adi personally and was contracted by someone named "Joshua," her statements contradicted system records linking her to the Ministry of Finance. Supervisors threatened police involvement if she didn't provide full disclosure.

This scandal adds to growing calls for Adi's removal from office, following an August 2025 protest by civil servants. Workers accused her and the Accountant General of mismanaging a biometric verification exercise that removed over 7,000 legitimate workers from the payroll.

Adi, appointed in August 2023, holds multiple academic qualifications, including a Doctorate in Accounting from Nasarawa State University (2023). Despite her credentials, the impersonation incident and prior controversies have cast serious doubts on her professional integrity.