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End South-East killings, Amnesty urges FG

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Amnesty International has called on the Federal Government to end the recurring killings in the South-East region of the country.

The Country Director of Amnesty International in Nigeria, Isa Sanusi, disclosed this on Thursday during the relaunch of its report titled A decade of impunity: Attacks and unlawful killings in South-East Nigeria, held in Ikeja, Lagos State.

Amnesty had, in August, revealed that no fewer than 1,844 people were killed in the South-East between January 2021 and June 2023.

The human rights group had accused Nigerian authorities of enabling a “free-for-all reign of impunity” in the region, where “numerous state and non-state actors have committed serious human rights violations,” leaving communities in fear and devastation.’

The group had also alleged that the killings were carried out by gunmen, state-backed paramilitaries, vigilantes, criminal gangs, cult groups, and security agencies, including the military and police.

It linked the violence to the government’s clampdown on pro-Biafra protests since August 2015 and cited “unlawful killings, arbitrary arrests, torture, enforced disappearances, and destruction of properties” as common occurrences.

Speaking on Thursday, Sanusi noted that the silence of the South-East governors to its enquiries on the killings demonstrated the lack of commitment to ending the carnage that has left families devastated, lives lost, and the socioeconomic development of the region hampered.

He said, “That means to us that the government is not taking the matter seriously, because if they were taking it seriously, there is no way they would ignore any communication about it.

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“The fact that we wrote not only to the state governments, but also to the Nigerian Army, the Nigerian Police, and all security agencies, but they kept quiet and refused to respond. Definitely, that shows that they are not going to respond to these issues.

“So, when they say they are committed to solving the problem, we don’t believe them. We know these issues affect people, and the government should be the first to recognise these issues.”

He urged the FG to undertake a thorough investigation into the alleged violence perpetrated by state actors and ensure the safety of lives and properties in the region.

“The Nigerian authorities must uphold their constitutional and international human rights obligations by guaranteeing, protecting, and ensuring the rights to life, physical integrity, liberty, security, and safety of the people, and stemming the tide of rampant insecurity in the South-East region.

“Authorities must undertake prompt, thorough, independent, impartial, transparent and effective investigations into all allegations of violations and abuses committed by state and non-state actors in the region,” Sanusi concluded.

Meanwhile, recall that the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, had ordered a review of a report by Amnesty International alleging extrajudicial killings and human rights violations in the South-East.

The IGP noted that the review would compare the allegations with operational records, field intelligence, and reports from commands and tactical units in the region.

The Defence Headquarters had, in its reaction, also dismissed allegations by Amnesty International that troops were involved in the extrajudicial killings.

Killings in the South-East have continued to raise concerns among stakeholders and experts alike. Between July and August 2025, no fewer than 12 people were killed after some gunmen invaded five communities in Imo State

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UK and Nigeria unveil three-year plan to combat immigration crime

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The United Kingdom and Nigeria have agreed on a new three-year strategic plan aimed at tackling organised immigration crime and strengthening border security cooperation.

The initiative, announced in a joint statement by the UK Home Office, was finalised during the state visit of Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the UK. The agreement was signed by UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood and Nigeria’s Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, outlining a broad framework to combat visa fraud, improve border systems, and enhance legal cooperation.

Under the plan, Nigeria is expected to review its legal framework to impose stricter penalties on immigration-related crimes, particularly offences involving forged or fraudulent documents. Both countries also pledged to strengthen laws and enforcement mechanisms around visa processing and travel documentation.

A key part of the agreement is the expansion of the UK–Nigeria Organised Immigration Crime Unit, with new memoranda focused on intelligence sharing and joint operations. The UK will also provide training and capacity-building support for Nigerian border agencies.

The partnership places emphasis on protecting vulnerable migrants, especially women and children, while also improving research, document verification systems, and monitoring processes through the UK–Nigeria Migration, Justice and Home Affairs Dialogue.

Both governments described the deal as a reflection of a shared commitment to tackling transnational crime and improving migration management through closer collaboration. The agreement forms part of wider engagements during Tinubu’s visit, which has focused on strengthening diplomatic ties across security, migration, and economic development between the two countries.

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Blackouts: FG moves to resolve gas supply crisis

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The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has said Nigerians will soon begin to enjoy improved electricity supply as the Federal Government moves to resolve ongoing gas constraints affecting generation.

Adelabu made this known in his Eid-el-Fitr message on Thursday, where he noted that recent interventions by the government are beginning to address persistent gas supply challenges that have limited power generation across the country.

According to him, the government is implementing concrete measures to ensure a reliable supply for homes and businesses.

“Concrete measures are being implemented to ensure more reliable and sustainable electricity for homes, businesses, and industries. The reforms initiated by President Bola Tinubu are beginning to take root, and Nigerians will soon witness the full benefits,” he said.

The PUNCH recently reported that gas suppliers halted supply to thermal power plants over an estimated N3.3tn debt owed by power generation companies, a development that had deepened the nationwide power shortage.

The Chief Executive Officer of the Association of Power Generation Companies, Dr Joy Ogaji, disclosed this, warning that the mounting debt across the power value chain is pushing the sector toward a major crisis.

Her comments came amid worsening electricity supply across the country, with many Nigerians experiencing prolonged blackouts since the beginning of the year.

Data from the Nigerian Independent System Operator shows that power generation dropped below 4,000 megawatts in recent weeks, largely due to gas constraints affecting thermal power plants, making the reliable supply of electricity impossible across their franchise areas.

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The minister expressed optimism that ongoing efforts would translate into noticeable improvements in electricity supply in the near term, stressing that resolving gas constraints remains central to stabilising the power sector.

Electricity consumers, regardless of the supply bands they belong to, have continued to lament the situation, especially amid rising fuel prices and the severe heat.

Recently, NISO provided operational data illustrating the scale of the shortfall, noting that thermal power plants require an estimated 1,629.75 million standard cubic feet of gas per day to operate at optimal capacity. However, as of February 23, 2026, actual supply stood at about 692.00 mmscf per day—representing less than 43 per cent of the required volume.

Several power generation companies have repeatedly appealed to electricity consumers for patience, stating that the worsening gas constraints are beyond their control.

The situation has left many homes and businesses struggling with prolonged outages, raising fears that the electricity supply may deteriorate further if the financial impasse in the power sector is not urgently resolved.

He explained that the government’s broader reform agenda is designed to unlock efficiency across the electricity value chain, adding that sustained progress would depend on continued public support and alignment with policy direction.

However, Adelabu, in its message on Thursday, urged Nigerians to maintain patience and commitment, noting that the challenges currently being experienced are part of a transition towards a more reliable and sustainable power system.

“The challenges we face today are, without doubt, the building blocks of a more prosperous tomorrow,” he said.

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The minister further called on citizens to sustain the spirit of discipline and sacrifice cultivated during Ramadan, urging collective responsibility in supporting national development efforts.

He added that ongoing engagements by the president, including recent meetings in the United Kingdom, are expected to attract investment into critical sectors such as power, ultimately strengthening infrastructure and service delivery.

Adelabu emphasised that with continued reforms and cooperation, the government remains confident of delivering improved electricity supply to Nigerians in line with its development objectives.

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Dele Momodu, Fani-Kayode, Omokri in war of words over Tinubu – See details

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A public disagreement has erupted between a media publisher and a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress, Dele Momodu, former Aviation Minister, Femi Fani-Kayode, and former presidential aide, Reno Omokri over President Bola Tinubu leadership.

The clash started after Momodu appeared on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Monday and compared Tinubu’s leadership style to that of former military ruler, Sani Abacha, a remark that drew sharp criticism from Fani-Kayode.

Reacting on his social media pages on Tuesday, Fani-Kayode said he was disappointed in Momodu and urged him to step back from political commentary.

He described Momodu as “completely unhinged” and accused him of acting out of emotion rather than logic.

“Dele’s lies, duplicity, and shameless perfidy have finally been exposed,” Fani-Kayode said.

He added that Momodu was “badly diminished” and “a shadow of his former self.”

Fani-Kayode also defended his loyalty to Tinubu, saying, “Not only did I fight for Tinubu in 2023 during the presidential campaign, but I have remained loyal and committed to him and his cause since then, and I have no apology for that either.”

He accused Momodu of hypocrisy, saying that even after benefiting from a long-standing relationship, Momodu did not support Tinubu’s presidential ambition.

“Unlike Dele, I did not benefit from him for close to 40 years… and yet refuse to support him in achieving his dream of becoming President,” he stated.

Fani-Kayode warned Momodu to be careful, saying, “He should stay in his lane, otherwise I will give him plenty to write about,” adding that comparing Tinubu to Abacha was wrong.

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“For him to compare Tinubu to Abacha was wrong, and if he was anything like the dictator that Dele claims he is, both Dele and those he speaks for today would either be dead or in jail. He should count himself lucky that our President is a democrat and not a monster,” he added.

Momodu, responding on Thursday via X, fired back at Fani-Kayode and questioned his suitability for a diplomatic role.

“He went to Cambridge University… but became an enfant terrible, fighting anyone and anything in sight. All supplications and intercessions by friends and family on his behalf have failed to cure his strange malady,” Momodu wrote.

“And this is the man President Bola Tinubu is about to unleash on Germany as an ambassador of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, for God’s sake,” he said.

Momodu claimed Fani-Kayode had long expected a political appointment and had previously expressed frustration over delays. “Femi without power is like a fish out of water,” he added.

In a post on his X handle on Thursday, Fani-Kayode slammed Momodu for referencing his father and his educational background.

“Dele Momodu has got his knickers in a twist yet again. Poor soul. He is clearly tormented. He calls me a thug, speaks about my father and family, and claims that I wanted to work with Atiku even though I left PDP in 2021.

“No matter what you say about me, I have been active in the corridors of power for over 30 years,” he said.

He also criticised Momodu’s career and family background, saying, “All I know about you is that you were once a journalist, you followed Chief MKO Abiola around like a court jester and collected crumbs from him for much of your life.

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“You became a hustler and a photographer after he was incarcerated, and you ran for President a number of years back and got only one vote, which came from your wife.

“Outside of this, I do not have your time. I have been called to serve my country once again, and that is where my focus lies. The only thing that matters is Nigeria.”

Earlier, Momodu had said that Fani-Kayode and Omokri had contacted him to reconcile after their past disagreements.

However, in a post via his X handle on Thursday, Omokri criticised Momodu, calling him “too immature for politics” and denying contacting him to reconcile.

“I have never reached out to you privately for reconciliation. NEVER. If you have evidence about that, please publicise it now.

“The last time you and I had an exchange, I did not reach out to you privately to arrange a settlement or ask for publicity, as you claimed. Rather, I called you to warn you to always travel with aspirin or any other blood thinner to avoid sudden death syndrome caused by frequent air flights.

“Dele, you should focus on hyping fading Big Brother contestants and leave politics to those with a thick enough skin to take barbs and give back in good measure,” Omokri wrote.

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