News

DHQ Vows To End IPOB Reign, Sit-at-home In S’East

Published

1 year ago

March 7, 2025

Editor

The Defence Headquarters has reaffirmed its commitment to ending the influence of the Indigenous People of Biafra and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network , in the South-East, as well as eradicating the sit-at-home culture enforced by the group.

Speaking at a briefing on Thursday, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Markus Kangye, acknowledged that fear still keeps some residents indoors on Mondays despite the military’s ongoing efforts.

However, he assured that security forces were making significant progress in restoring normalcy.

“Who gave the order? IPOB/ESN criminals. Because of what was happening in the South-East, Operation Udo Ka was set up – just like Operation Hadin Kai in the North-East. The past three commanders in the region have worked tirelessly to encourage people to go about their normal business. However, in some areas, residents still stay home out of fear. The commanders are working hard to free the South-East from IPOB/ESN influence,” Kangye stated.

He also defended the military’s counter-terrorism efforts amid concerns raised by the 2025 Global Terrorism Index, which ranked Nigeria sixth globally and recorded 565 terrorism-related deaths in 2024.

Kangye insisted that reports from the Nigerian military offer a more accurate account of the country’s security situation than external sources.

“Something is happening in my house; I am the head of the house; I have children, I have a wife, and then Kuma Shi (someone else) is reporting what is happening in my house to me. Which one would be more correct? The one I tell you as the head of the house or the one Kuma Shi is reporting from outside?” he queried.

He urged the media to verify and correct misleading narratives about the nation’s security landscape.

“I’m not countering what they put out there, but as observers, you should be the ones to give the correct version of what is happening in Nigeria,” the DHQ spokesman said.

Reeling out the achievements of the military between 27 February and March 6 2025, Kangye said a total of 92 terrorists were neutralised while 111 suspected others were arrested.

He also said troops also apprehended 18 oil thieves and rescued 75 kidnapped hostages.

“In the South-South, troops foiled oil theft estimated to the tune of about N521,802,360.00 only.

“The breakdown revealed: 452,396 litres of stolen crude oil, 224,175 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil and 1,920 litres of PMS. Additionally, t111111roops discovered and destroyed 87 crude oil cooking ovens, 28 dugout pits, 23 boats, 33 storage tanks, 61 drums and 47 illegal refining sites.

“Other items recovered include two pumping machines, three tricycles, five motorcycles, two mobile phones and six vehicles among others,” he added.

He also said troops recovered 117 and 2,939 assorted weapons and ammunition rounds, respectively.

“These include, 58 AK-47 rifles, 21 locally fabricated guns, 26 Dane guns, 7 pump-action guns, 4 PKT guns, 2 GPMGs, one QJC W85 gun, one

HK 21 gun, one M60 MG, 11 RPG bombs, 2 RPG tubes and one fabricated 60mm mortar.

“They also recovered quantity 2,278 rounds of assorted 7.62mm ammunition, 26 live cartridges, 64 rounds of 9mm ammo, 18 magazines, as well as other 8 assorted arms,” Kangye stated.

News

Transfer: Premier League Clubs Scramble For Dele-Bashiru

Published

5 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

Lazio midfielder, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru is a subject of interest from three Premier League clubs, according to Sky Sports.

Lazio reportedly rejected offers from Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth for the Nigeria international in January.

La Biancolesti are bracing for more interest in Dele-Bashiru ahead of the summer transfer window, according to Sky Sports.

The 24-year-old has two years left on his contract with the Serie A club.

The attacking midfielder joined the Rome-based club from Turkish Super Lig outfit Hatayspor in 2024.

He has been a regular feature for Lazio this season.

News

Xenophobic Attacks: Nigerian Students To Picket MTN, MultiChoice, Other Businesses

Published

5 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

The leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS South-West Zone D, has announced plans to picket South African companies in Nigeria following the ongoing xenophobic attacks in the country.

DAILY POST reports that some Nigerians were recently killed in South Africa over the violent attacks.

A statement issued to newsmen by Comrade Adeyemo Josiah Kayode, Coordinator, NANS South-West, Zone D, said that the association is mobilizing to take decisive and lawful action by organizing peaceful picketing and mass advocacy against South African business interests operating in Nigeria.

“We categorically state that the continued targeting of Nigerians under any guise is unacceptable and must come to an immediate end.

“This will include major corporations such as MTN Group and MultiChoice Group. It is morally indefensible for businesses to thrive in an environment where the lives of Nigerians are protected, while Nigerians are subjected to fear and violence elsewhere.

“This contradiction will no longer be tolerated,” the statement said.

News

N5m, N10m Zero-interest Loans: SheVentures Opens Applications For Women Entrepreneurs

Published

7 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

First City Monument Bank (FCMB) has opened a new round of applications for its SheVentures proposition, offering zero-interest loans of up to ₦10 million to women entrepreneurs to ease access to working capital and support business growth.

The facility provides loans ranging from ₦500,000 to ₦5 million under a general category, and ₦5 million to ₦10 million for sector-specific businesses, with funding capped at up to 50% of an applicant’s average monthly turnover.

At the centre of the offering is a 0% interest rate, with all charges embedded in a transparent structure.

Repayment is structured over four or six months, allowing businesses to match obligations with their cash flow cycles.

Yemisi Edun, Managing Director and Chief Executive of First City Monument Bank (FCMB), said the initiative reflects a deliberate approach to inclusive growth.

“Inclusive growth requires access to capital and the right conditions for businesses to deploy that capital effectively.

“Women-led enterprises are critical to economic activity, yet they face structural barriers.

This intervention aims to help close that gap by providing financing that supports job creation, business expansion, and long-term sustainability for women entrepreneurs.”

“Access to affordable finance remains a major constraint for women entrepreneurs,” said Nnenna Jacob-Ogogo, Group Head, SheVentures and Impact Segments at First City Monument Bank (FCMB).

“By removing the cost barrier and offering quick, flexible funding, this zero-interest loan is designed to safeguard existing jobs, enable businesses to invest in growth initiatives, and foster resilience in challenging economic conditions.”

Women-owned businesses account for a significant share of Nigeria’s small and medium-sized enterprises but continue to face high borrowing costs and limited access to credit.

Through these efforts, SheVentures tackles persistent financing gaps facing women-led businesses, combining targeted funding with broader support to empower women entrepreneurs, encourage business innovation, and enhance their ability to compete on a national scale.

Applications for the zero-interest loan are now open.Apply now.