In a dramatic midnight operation, security operatives in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have successfully rescued a kidnapped naval officer, Cynthia Akor, and two civilians who were abducted by armed criminals in Mpape, Abuja. The joint effort, involving the police, military, and local hunters, also led to the arrest of four suspects and the recovery of ransom money. The victims were taken on March 21, 2025, after heavily armed assailants attacked the Maman Vatsa Estate gate, blocking Mpape Road and opening fire on moving vehicles. Shortly after the incident, the kidnappers demanded a staggering ₦500 million ransom for the naval…
Author: National Update
It was on NTA Okene News yesterday that Okene residents declaredsupport for Senator Natasha. No normal Kogi Central Constituent member will see the support declaration as a surprise. Natasha is a household name. Then, who wants to recall her? Who wants to recall a performing Senator? Who wants to recall his senator who was declared the Senator of the Year? Who wants to recall his senator that is been choked because it was perceived that she influenced the establishment of 5 mini-gas plants in her constituency? Who wants to recall a senator whose performance in one year superseded the achievements…
Pope Francis will be discharged from Rome’s Gemelli hospital on Sunday and return to his Vatican residence, where he is set to undergo at least two months of recovery, doctors have confirmed. The 88-year-old pontiff, who has been battling pneumonia since his admission on February 14, is expected to wave and offer a blessing from the hospital before departing for Saint Martha’s House, his official residence. Dr. Sergio Alfieri, one of the pope’s physicians, emphasized that while his condition has improved, his recovery will continue at home. “A hospital is actually the worst place for recovery due to the risk…
Gunmen have abducted a senior military officer, Navy Lt. Cynthia Akor, along with two others in the Mpape area of Abuja, sending shockwaves through the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The victims were seized from their residence on Friday night, with the assailants swiftly reaching out to their families the following day, demanding a staggering N100 million ransom for their release. A source familiar with the incident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed the development. “Three individuals were taken, including a Defense Headquarters officer, Lt. Akor. The kidnappers have made contact and are insisting on N100 million before releasing them,”…
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has expressed confidence in the progress of the state’s first-ever flyover at Ramat Park, Benin City, affirming his administration’s dedication to quality infrastructure and accountability. The project, initiated in November 2024, has reached 20 percent completion, with visible structural work already in place. During an unannounced inspection, Okpebholo praised the pace of work but reiterated his zero-tolerance policy for substandard execution. Chief Press Secretary to the Edo State Governor, Fred Itua in a statement quoted him to have indicated, “We are not just awarding contracts; we are ensuring they meet the highest standards. Any…
Former President Goodluck Jonathan has condemned the imposition of emergency rule in Rivers State, describing it as a dangerous abuse of power that threatens Nigeria’s democratic stability. Speaking at the Haske Satumari Foundation’s annual colloquium in Abuja, Jonathan criticized key figures in the executive, legislature, and judiciary for disregarding democratic principles and legal norms. Jonathan, who refrained from mentioning President Bola Tinubu directly, accused government officials of manipulating power structures for political gain. He warned that the ongoing crisis could set a precedent for undermining elected governments, raising concerns about Nigeria’s federal structure. “The key actors in Nigeria—the executive, the…
The recent re-arraignment of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has been described as a significant milestone in Nigeria’s judicial history and a step toward national reconciliation. Speaking on the development, Abuja-based lawyer Christopher Chidera emphasized that the manner in which the proceedings unfolded signaled a departure from past tensions and set the stage for a more objective legal process. Unlike previous court appearances that were marked by confrontations and heightened emotions, Kanu’s latest re-arraignment before Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, was conducted in an atmosphere of calmness and respect for judicial…
By Rufai Ahmed, Dutse At least 1,613 Nigerians have died in 169 petroleum tanker explosions across the country between June 2009 and October 2024, according to Senator Babangida Hussaini, Chairman of the Senate Committee on the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA). Speaking in an exclusive interview with National Update in Jigawa State, Senator Hussaini, who represents Jigawa Northwest Senatorial District, lamented the devastating toll of tanker accidents on human lives and property. “Although there is no official national database on these incidents, my personal research shows that 1,613 lives have been lost due to fuel tanker accidents within this period,”…
By Ahmed Rufa’i, Dutse The Coalition of Civil Society Groups for Good Governance (CSGGG) has conferred the Best Performing Senator Award on Senator Eteng Jonah Williams, who represents Cross River Central Senatorial District in the Nigerian Senate. Speaking at the award presentation ceremony in Abuja, the leader of the coalition, Mr. Myke Ngbe, stated that the decision to honor Senator Williams followed a thorough assessment of his contributions to his constituents, particularly in the areas of infrastructure and human development. “Senator Williams has demonstrated exceptional leadership in the National Assembly, making a significant impact on his people,” Ngbe said. “His…
In the wake of back-to-back disasters on Karu Bridge, Senator Ireti Heebah Kingibe has urged authorities to tighten road safety regulations and prevent further tragedies. The first incident, a petrol tanker explosion, claimed at least 10 lives and destroyed over 30 vehicles along the Abuja-Nyanya-Keffi Expressway. Just 16 hours later, a fertilizer truck crashed at the same location, reigniting safety concerns. In a statement issued by her Senior Special Assistant on Media, Mr. Kennedy Mbele, Kingibe mourned the victims and extended condolences to their families. “These heartbreaking accidents highlight a critical failure in road safety enforcement. We cannot afford to…