Nigeria has received 23 looted Benin Kingdom artefacts from Switzerland, marking another milestone in the country’s efforts to recover its stolen cultural heritage.

The collection includes 18 Benin artefacts returned by three Swiss museums, alongside five additional cultural objects that were previously seized by Swiss authorities.

The artefacts, commonly known as the Benin Bronzes, were looted during the 1897 British invasion of the Benin Kingdom. They include metal and ivory objects created at the royal court of Benin. The handover took place at the National Museum in Lagos, where the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM) formally received the artefacts on behalf of the Federal Government.

During the ceremony, Switzerland’s Federal Councillor Elisabeth Baume-Schneider and Nigeria’s Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, signed an agreement on the transfer of cultural property, reinforcing cooperation between both countries to combat illicit trafficking and facilitate the return of stolen cultural items.

Of the 18 Benin artefacts, 14 were returned by the Ethnographic Museum at the University of Zurich, two by Museum Rietberg Zurich, and two by the Musée d’Ethnographie de Genève (MEG). The restitution followed years of provenance research under the Benin Initiative Switzerland, which confirmed the objects had been looted during the 1897 expedition.

Also returned were a bronze bracelet and four archaeological monoliths from Nigeria’s Niger Delta that had been confiscated during criminal investigations in Switzerland. The new bilateral agreement establishes a legal framework for cooperation on the import, export and repatriation of cultural property, while strengthening efforts to protect cultural heritage and prevent illegal trafficking.

Nigerian authorities said the returned artefacts represent an important part of the country’s history, identity and cultural heritage. Some will be displayed at the National Museum in Lagos, while most will eventually be returned to their place of origin in Edo State.

The restitution ceremony was attended by NCMM Director-General Olugbile Holloway, officials from the Swiss Federal Office of Culture, and directors of the three Swiss museums involved in the return of the artefacts.

FOLLOW US ON:

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

PINTEREST

TIKTOK

YOUTUBE

LINKEDIN

INSTAGRAM

The troops of the 17 Brigade under Sector 2 of Operation FANSAN YAMMA have rescued six kidnap victims who were abandoned by fleeing terrorists during an offensive operation in Katsina State.

The rescue took place on June 29, 2026, at Unguwan Doka in Faskari Local Government Area following sustained military pressure on terrorist enclaves in the area.

The rescued victims comprise four women and two children.

They were identified as Mrs. Umaima Isiaku, 30; Amina Isiaku, 25; Fatima Saidu, 22; Huzaima Nasiru, 16; as well as Usman Surajo, aged one, and Dauda Isiaku, aged 18 months.

During preliminary interrogation, the victims disclosed that they were abducted by armed terrorists on March 11, 2026, along the Tsafe–Bilbis Road in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

The victims, who are all indigenes of Bilbis village, said they were held in captivity for more than three months before being abandoned by their captors as troops intensified offensive operations in the area.

Military sources said the rescued victims are receiving necessary care, while efforts are ongoing to reunite them with their families.

The latest rescue is part of the sustained operations by Operation FANSAN YAMMA aimed at dismantling terrorist networks and securing communities across the North-West.

FOLLOW US ON:

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

PINTEREST

TIKTOK

YOUTUBE

LINKEDIN

INSTAGRAM

The Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, has congratulated Osasere Okundaye on emerging as Nigeria’s youngest chartered accountant at the age of 16.

In a statement on Monday, Olawande described the feat as a remarkable demonstration of hard work, discipline, resilience and commitment to excellence.

“I heartily congratulate Miss Osasere Okundaye on her outstanding achievement of becoming Nigeria’s youngest Chartered Accountant at just 16 years of age.

“This remarkable milestone is a testament to the power of hard work, discipline, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to excellence,” the minister said.

He noted that Okundaye had become a shining example of the limitless potential of Nigerian youths, saying her achievement should inspire others to pursue excellence.

“Osasere has distinguished herself as a shining example of the limitless potential of Nigerian youth. Her accomplishment reminds us that with determination, dedication, and the right support, young Nigerians can break barriers, set new records, and inspire a generation to dream bigger and strive for excellence,” he added.

The minister also congratulated her parents, family, teachers and mentors for supporting her journey.

“I also congratulate her parents, family, teachers, mentors, and everyone who has supported and guided her journey. Their encouragement, sacrifices, and belief in her abilities have undoubtedly contributed to this exceptional success,” he said.

Olawande reaffirmed the Federal Ministry of Youth Development’s commitment to empowering young Nigerians through programmes and policies aimed at helping them realise their potential.

“Osasere’s achievement reinforces our confidence that the future of Nigeria is bright in the hands of focused, determined, and talented young citizens,” he said.

He wished the teenager greater success in the years ahead, expressing hope that her story would inspire millions of young Nigerians.

Okundaye earned the feat after qualifying as a chartered accountant through the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, becoming the youngest person to achieve the professional qualification in the country.

Her achievement surpasses the previous record set in 2022 by Jonathan Adewale, who became Nigeria’s youngest chartered accountant at the age of 17 after completing the rigorous ICAN professional examinations.

The qualification, which is typically obtained by graduates and professionals after years of study and examinations, has been widely regarded as one of the country’s most demanding professional certifications.