Nairaland

Tinubu Celebrates Gbenga Daniel At 70, Recalls His Role In 1999 Victory

2026-04-06T17:15:36Z

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated former Ogun State governor and current senator, Gbenga Daniel, on his 70th birthday, praising his enduring impact on Nigeria’s development.
In a personally signed statement on Monday, the President described Daniel as an accomplished engineer, entrepreneur, and politician whose success reflects dedication, resilience, and strategic insight.

Tinubu highlighted Daniel’s contributions across both private enterprise and public service, noting that his achievements were driven by “hard work, tenacity, wisdom, and courage.”

Reflecting on their long-standing political alliance, the President recalled Daniel’s involvement in his emergence as governor of Lagos State in 1999. He said Daniel worked closely with him and other allies during the campaign period to secure victory at the polls.

The President also commended Daniel’s business acumen, referencing his role as founder of Kresta Laurel, an electro-mechanical engineering firm established in 1990, which has grown into a notable enterprise.

Speaking on Daniel’s time as Ogun State governor, Tinubu noted that his administration, which began in 2003, was marked by significant strides in infrastructure development, industrialisation, education, and public-private partnerships. He also credited him with initiating key projects such as the state’s first agro-allied cargo airport and establishing Tai Solarin University of Education.

Tinubu further described Daniel as a committed progressive and loyal member of the Afenifere, acknowledging his political journey through different parties before returning to the All Progressives Congress.

As Daniel marks the milestone, the President expressed gratitude for his service to Ogun State and the nation, while wishing him continued good health and many more years of meaningful contributions.

https://applesbite.com/tinubu-celebrates-gbenga-daniel-at-70-recalls-his-role-in-1999-victory/

This Is Not The Tinubu We Knew In Lagos, He Should Step Down - Shan George

2026-04-06T17:13:18Z

I remember when Tinubu was Lagos State Governor, he did wit Lagos, what Oti is currently doing in Abia State. At that time OBJ was d President and was having some political Dissagrements wit Tinubu, yet Tinubu forged on, and carried Lagos state wit a lot of grace and panache, turning d city into an even better place than he met it, building MM2, dualizing Allen Avenue and many other roads inside Lagos, he cleared d streets of area boys and created LASTMA, among many other good works, without any much support from federal, it was a good time to live in Lagos then. Lagosians loved Tinubu.

And so, I believe that's d yardstick he was measured wit, while weighing him for d kind of capacity needed for d role of a President.

But d President we r seeing now, makes me wonder, where is d Tinubu we used to kno? D Tinubu who stood and protested and won against many past bad governance right from when I was still wearing diapers? D Tinubu who fought OBJ hands down and made Lagos a heaven? d real City Boy, What happened?

In my opinion, AGE happened, which is a nature call and should not be faulted, his life long desire and goal has always been to become d President of Nigeria, hence d EMILOKAN surge, quite understandable, he got it, and that's great. But at this point, even him should on his own step down without being told, it's honourable to leave d stage when there's still some applaud, loud or not. But his cronies won't tell him now, their gains in it won't let them, until they push him to work himself to kpai, cos being d President of Nigeria, THE GIANT OF AFRICA, is not moimoi, baba should Just resign now.

My name is Shan George, an International Award Winning African Film Maker. And I'm proudly Nigerian. I'm not a card carrier of Any Political Party, I don't support Tinubu, neither am I currently supporting any presidential candidate, I'm Just a Good Citizen bearing her mind respectfully.
I LOVE MONDAYS. ❤.
#Shangeorge #monday #easterbunny #shangeorgetv #HeIsRisen

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1DpiJpLsoQ/

ADC Crisis: Internal Failures Or External Interference?

2026-04-06T17:06:42Z

Last week’s decision by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to withdraw recognition for the David Mark-led National Working Committee (NWC) of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), in compliance with a Court of Appeal judgment, has once again exposed the fragility of Nigeria’s opposition politics.

Predictably, some voices have rushed to frame the development as part of a broader plot by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to weaken a potential challenger ahead of 2027. While such suspicions are not entirely unfounded in Nigeria’s political history, they risk obscuring a more uncomfortable truth: the ADC’s crisis is largely self-inflicted.

At the heart of the dispute are allegations of a breached power-sharing agreement involving key stakeholders within the party. According to accounts from party insiders, an understanding had been reached between legacy leaders and emerging blocs to distribute positions across geopolitical zones. That arrangement, however, appears to have collapsed under the weight of ambition, mistrust, and political miscalculation.

The sidelining of Nafiu Bala Gombe and the controversial emergence of Babachir David Lawal as National Vice Chairman (Northeast) reportedly triggered the chain of events that culminated in litigation. If indeed agreements were reached and subsequently ignored, then the fallout we are witnessing today is less about external sabotage and more about a failure of internal discipline.

This is not new. Nigerian political parties—especially those attempting to build coalitions—have historically struggled with managing elite expectations. The inability to honour informal agreements, or at least renegotiate them transparently, often leads to factionalisation. Once disputes enter the courts, as in the present case, they rarely end without lasting damage to party cohesion.

To be clear, it is possible that external actors, especially the APC, may seek to exploit these divisions. Politics, after all, is not played in a vacuum. The APC, like any ruling party, has a vested interest in a fragmented opposition as witnessed in the multiple crises that plagued the Labour Party (LP) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). But exploitation is not the same as causation. The ADC opened the door to its current predicament; others may simply be walking through it.

Those drawing parallels with the events leading up to the formation of the APC in 2013 may have a point—but only partially. At the time, opposition forces demonstrated a remarkable capacity for unity in the face of institutional and political obstacles. Despite allegations involving the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and regulatory bottlenecks, the coalition that birthed the APC held together long enough to achieve its objective.

The ADC, by contrast, appears to be struggling to maintain even the minimum level of internal coherence required to function as a credible opposition platform. This raises a fundamental question: can a party that is unable to manage its own internal contradictions convincingly present itself as an alternative government?

Opposition politics is not merely about pointing out the failures of the incumbent. It requires organisation, discipline, and strategic communication. During the years leading up to 2015, figures like former spokesman of the APC and immediate past Minister of Information, Alhaji Lai Mohammed helped shape a relentless and coherent opposition narrative against the administration of Goodluck Jonathan and the then ruling party, PDP. Some labeled it as propaganda while others till date still refer to Lai as ‘Lie Mohammed’. Whether one agreed with that narrative or not, its consistency and clarity were undeniable and the APC was able to dislodge the PDP from the seat of power after 16 years in power. Today, the ADC has yet to demonstrate a comparable capacity.

At a time when many Nigerians are grappling with economic hardship, insecurity, and persistent challenges in the power sector, the space is wide open for a disciplined opposition to articulate an alternative vision. Instead, what the public sees is a party consumed by internal wrangling, legal battles, and competing egos.

If the ADC is serious about positioning itself as a viable challenger to Bola Tinubu in 2027, several urgent steps are required. The party must institutionalise its internal processes. Agreements—especially those involving power-sharing—should not be left to informal understandings that can be easily discarded. Clear, written frameworks and enforcement mechanisms are essential.

Also, conflict resolution structures within the party must be strengthened. Disputes are inevitable in any political organisation, but allowing them to escalate to the courts should be a last resort, not the default response.

The ADC must redefine its public messaging. Nigerians are less interested in who occupies which internal position than in how their lives can improve. A credible opposition must consistently engage with issues that matter to citizens—economic stability, security, infrastructure, and governance.

Its leadership within the party must demonstrate restraint and maturity. Public statements that belittle or alienate key stakeholders only deepen divisions and erode trust and finally, the ADC must recognise that credibility is earned, not assumed. It is not enough to benefit from public dissatisfaction with the ruling party; that dissatisfaction must be converted into confidence in an alternative. That process begins with internal cohesion.

By this time in 2014, the APC already had a clear vision about where it was going. The stakeholders wanted General Muhammadu Buhari as their presidential candidate. Many Nigerians also wanted him, even though they later regretted that choice, claiming they were scammed with the ‘change’ slogan. The APC allowed a free and fair presidential primaries rather than making Buhari a consensus candidate. Given the financial muscle of Atiku Abubakar and other aspirants then, APC stakeholders such as President Bola Tinubu, Rotimi Amaechi, Babatunde Fashola, Bukola Saraki and others pooled their resources together to support Buhari, and he won the primaries. I was live at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, where the primaries were held. If not for their support, Atiku would have clinched the ticket easily, as Buhari lacks the financial wherewithal to match him. We wait to see how the ADC scales this hurdle in the days ahead.

Looking ahead to 2027, it is tempting to predict a straight contest between the APC and ADC. The ruling party undoubtedly enjoys significant advantages, including incumbency and control of a majority of state governments. However, Nigerian political history also shows that incumbency is not invincible when confronted with a united and credible opposition.

I won’t be surprised if President Bola Tinubu is reelected for another term. I won’t also be unfazed if the opposition wins, given the abysmal performance of the president in fixing the power sector crisis, addressing insecurity challenges and other promises he made in the build-up to the 2023 elections. Whether the ADC can evolve into such an opposition remains an open question.

For now, the priority is clear: before accusing others of destabilisation, the party must first stabilise itself. It must put its house in order and lay a solid foundation on which to build its presidential dream. If there are no cracks in the wall, the lizard won’t be able to get in.

Akinsuyi, former group politics editor of the Daily Independent, writes from Abuja, Nigeria. He can be reached at shabydayo@gmail.com

https://www.thecable.ng/adc-crisis-internal-failures-or-external-interference/

One Year In Office: How Bayo Ojulari Is Driving Change, Transforming NNPC - Agada

2026-04-06T17:06:28Z

When President Bola Ahmed Tinubu appointed Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari as Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) on April 2, 2025, few could have predicted the scale of change that would unfold in just 365 days.

A mechanical engineer with nearly 35 years of hands-on experience across the global oil and gas value chain, Ojulari brought a rare blend of operational expertise, commercial acumen, and unapologetic pragmatism to Nigeria’s most strategic state enterprise.

His tenure has not only delivered unprecedented financial turnaround and operational efficiency but has also restored investor confidence, institutionalised transparency, and repositioned NNPCL as a profit-driven catalyst for national energy security.

Ojulari’s sterling background proved instrumental in driving this change. He began his career in 1989 at Elf Petroleum Nigeria as a process engineer, the first Nigerian in that role before joining Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) in 1991.

Over more than two decades at Shell, he rose through the ranks in petroleum engineering, asset development, production management, strategy, and deepwater operations across Nigeria, the Netherlands, and Oman. He later served as Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCo) from 2015 to 2021. This IOC-honed pedigree equipped him with the discipline to diagnose systemic inefficiencies quickly, demand accountability, and make commercially sound decisions without political interference, qualities that have defined his first year at NNPCL.

One of Ojulari’s earliest and most transformative moves was to embed transparency as a core operating principle. Under his leadership, NNPCL began consistently publishing comprehensive monthly operational and financial reports, a practice that quickly became “the new normal.”

The company hosted its first-ever Group Earnings Call to announce the audited 2024 financial results, openly disclosing revenue, profits, and operational metrics to stakeholders and the public. Civil society organisations (CSOs) have hailed this as a new era of accountability, especially as Ojulari’s team promptly responded to long-standing audit queries running into trillions of naira.

By supporting Executive Order 9 on financial transparency and committing to deeper disclosure despite internal resistance, Ojulari has dismantled the opacity that once defined the old NNPC. Nigerians now have access to verifiable data on production, revenue, and expenditure, building trust and attracting serious investors who once viewed the company with scepticism.

Ojulari inherited a company haemorrhaging value in several segments, particularly downstream. Yet within months, NNPCL posted historic results. The 2024 audited financials showed a profit after tax (PAT) of ₦5.4 trillion on revenue of ₦45.1 trillion, an 88% jump in revenue and 64% growth in PAT from the prior year. The 2025 unaudited results project an even stronger performance at approximately ₦5.76 trillion PAT. Ojulari captured the significance perfectly: “These results are more than numbers; they are a validation of our strategic direction and the dedication of every member of the NNPC team. This performance strengthens our foundation to fuel Nigeria’s economic growth and energy security, and it reaffirms our commitment to delivering sustained value for all our stakeholders.”

This turnaround stems from ruthless cost discipline, portfolio optimisation, higher upstream output from NNPCL-operated assets, and favourable foreign exchange impacts. NEPL (NNPC Exploration and Production Limited) production surged from 200,000–250,000 barrels per day pre-Ojulari to 330,000 bpd by August 2025 and a record 355,000 bpd by year-end, the highest level since 1989.

Infrastructure milestones, including the ANOH-OB3 pipeline commissioning, AKK River Niger crossing, Madu First Oil, Soku pipeline optimisation, Akpo West start-up, and Gbaran nodal compression, have boosted efficiency and revenue flows. These gains, combined with strengthened joint-venture partnerships with IOCs like Shell, Chevron, and TotalEnergies, have shifted NNPCL from a loss-making behemoth to a commercially viable national asset.

Perhaps Ojulari’s most courageous decision was the temporary shutdown of the Warri, Port Harcourt, and Kaduna refineries, which had collectively consumed billions of dollars in maintenance and rehabilitation with little to show. At the Nigerian International Energy Summit (NIES) in February 2026, he revealed the unflinching rationale behind the move:

“Upon his appointment, his leadership team aimed to understand ‘what was happening in the refinery’. The first thing that became clear is that we were running at a monumental loss to Nigeria. We were just wasting money. I can say that confidently now,” Ojulari said.

b]“So the first decision that I had to make was to stop the rot by ensuring that we stop and first of all, calibrate quickly, rebase, to see what we do. You wonder how we were losing money.”
[/b]

He disclosed that political pressure had long existed to keep the plants running as the “supplier of last resort,” but the internal review exposed utilisation rates stuck at 50–55%, escalating contractor costs, value destruction through poor product quality, and no credible path to profitability.

The shutdown in May 2025 was not abandonment but a strategic pause to halt further leakage. NNPCL now seeks experienced private-sector operators rather than mere contractors to rebuild and modernise the facilities under partnership models aligned with the Petroleum Industry Act. This decision has freed up capital and focus for higher-impact areas while underscoring Ojulari’s commitment to fiscal responsibility over political expediency.

Ojulari’s vision extends beyond NNPCL’s balance sheet. He has actively galvanised private investment and stabilised the broader oil and gas ecosystem. His global networks and credibility helped secure Shell’s renewed commitment to the Bonga Southwest-Aparo deepwater field, promising 200,000 barrels of oil per day and 140 MMScf of gas daily, plus thousands of jobs, with presidential approval for Final Investment Decision.

Fast-tracking of Bonga North and Preowei projects is expected to add another 200,000 bpd, positioning Nigeria to exceed 2 million barrels per day by 2027. NNPC Retail has expanded into West Africa with its Oleum lubricants brand, while gas infrastructure projects advance commercialisation and domestic supply.

Crucially, Ojulari has thrown full institutional weight behind the Dangote Refinery. With NNPCL holding 7.25% equity (and exploring an increase to 20%), the company has forged a strategic alliance on crude supply, product off-take, and distribution. Ojulari has repeatedly praised the refinery as “the front line of world-class technology” and a critical stabiliser of national fuel supply, stating publicly, “Thank God for Dangote refinery.” This partnership has already delivered measurable stability in product availability, reducing import dependence and supporting economic resilience. By collaborating rather than competing, Ojulari has demonstrated mature leadership that prioritises national interest over parochial control.

In just one year, Engr. Bayo Ojulari has rewritten NNPCL’s narrative, from a historically opaque, loss-prone entity to a transparent, profitable, and forward-looking national champion. His IOC-forged expertise enabled swift diagnosis of structural rot, bold corrective action on refineries, and aggressive pursuit of growth in upstream and midstream. Through performance-based systems, labour harmony, and investor-focused reforms, he has instilled a culture of excellence, integrity, and patriotism.

As Nigeria charts its energy future amid global transitions, Ojulari’s stewardship offers compelling proof that visionary, merit-based leadership can unlock the full potential of our hydrocarbon resources. The numbers, the pipelines, the partnerships, and the public disclosures all tell one story: under Engineer Bayo Ojulari, NNPCL is no longer managing decline, it is engineering prosperity. The next chapters promise even greater impact, but the foundation laid in this remarkable first year stands as a testament to what focused, courageous leadership can achieve for Nigeria.

Agada Abuh Theophilus is a Public Affairs Analyst/Media Consultant

https://leaders.ng/2026/04/06/one-year-in-office-how-ojulari-is-driving-change-and-transforming-nnpcl-into-a-transparent-profitable-powerhouse/

Broadcasters Ask Wike To Publicly Apologise To Seun Okinbaloye, Threaten Boycott

2026-04-06T16:53:43Z

The Independent Broadcast Association of Nigeria (IBAN) has asked Nyesom Wike, minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), to retract a remark he made about Seun Okinbaloye, a journalist with Channels Television.

IBAN is the umbrella body for all independent broadcast stations in Nigeria.

The group also threatened to boycott all media engagements organised by the minister if he does not publicly apologise to the journalist

In a statement signed by Ahmed Ramalan, IBAN chairman; and Fidelis Duker, acting general secretary; the association expressed concern over the implications of the comment aired during a live television interview.

On Friday, during a routine media chat, Wike said he was irked by Okinbaloye’s take on the trajectory of the nation’s democracy while watching ‘Politics Today’.

“If there was any way to break the screen, I would have shot him,” Wike had said.

He had immediately clarified to the journalists present that his brief monologue did not literally translate to pulling the trigger on Okinbaloye.

On Saturday, Lere Olayinka, senior special assistant on public communications to Wike, said his principal’s comment on Okinbaloye was “hyperbolic” and had been taken out of context by propagandists.

‘REMARK RISKS INTIMIDATING JOURNALISTS’

In its statement, IBAN said even though the minister later shared that he did not intend physical harm on the journalist, the utterance was inappropriate from a public official.

The association said expressions suggesting violence could be interpreted as intimidation of journalists.

IBAN added that such remarks could contribute to a hostile environment for media practitioners.

The association noted that Nigeria currently ranks 122 out of 180 countries on the press freedom index.

It said journalists in the country already face several challenges, including surveillance, attacks, and arbitrary arrests.

‘RETRACT STATEMENT, APOLOGISE’

IBAN asked Wike to retract his commentary and issue a public apology to Okinbaloye and the media community.

The association also urged the minister to reaffirm his commitment to press freedom in line with sections 22 and 39 of the 1999 constitution.

IBAN said failure to comply could lead to a boycott by independent broadcast stations.

“Should the minister fail to meet these requests within a reasonable period, IBAN will have no choice but to advise all independent broadcast stations to suspend coverage of all press briefings, media chats, and official news conferences hosted by the FCT minister,” the statement reads.

The association said the measure would be taken to protect journalists and discourage violent rhetoric against the media.

IBAN added that it remains open to constructive engagement with public officials.

“We hope the minister will take the necessary corrective action so that normal coverage can continue without interruption,” the association said.

Source: https://www.thecable.ng/broadcasters-ask-wike-to-publicly-apologise-to-seun-okinbaloye-threaten-boycott-of-his-briefings

Photos Of Facilities That Will Be Commissioned By President Tinubu Today

2026-04-06T16:50:50Z

Jubril A. Gawat @Mr_JAGs

FLASH: President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu @officialABAT GCFR is set to commission a number of Key Infrastructural Projects executed by the Lagos State Government under the leadership of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu @jidesanwoolu

The Projects are:

The iconic Opebi-Mende-Ojota Link bridge

Lagos State Geographic Information Service (LAGIS) Building, Alausa

The Lagos State Multi-Agency Complex, Alausa

The mid level Agro food Hub, Abijo, Ibeju Lekki, Lekki-Epe Expressway.

The Regeneration and full Upgrade of the Tolu Schools Complex, Ajegunle

Maracana Stadium, Ajegunle (consisting of 19 mini football pitches)

Mr President will commission these projects on his Two-day State Visit to Lagos State.

#PBATInLagos
#GreaterLagosRising

https://x.com/i/status/2041170200079286337

Iran Targets OpenAI’s $30B UAE Data Center, Threatens ‘Total Destruction’ (Photos)

2026-04-06T16:31:59Z

Iran targets OpenAI’s $30B UAE data center, threatens ‘total destruction’ in warning

BREAKING: 🚨 IRAN THREATENS MASSIVE HIDDEN TARGET

“Nothing is hidden from our sight, though hidden by Google.”

Iran just released a video about STARGATE UAE, set to be the largest AI computing cluster outside the U.S. which is hidden from Google Maps. pic.twitter.com/PQu7DkU5GC
— ADAM (@AdameMedia) April 3, 2026

Iran says it will 'totally destroy' a giant data center in Abu Dhabi, part of the Stargate project to build a global AI infrastructure; previous attacks on data centers in the Gulf have disrupted the operations of technology giants; UAE prepares for air defense around vast server farm

After threatening major U.S. tech companies and reportedly damaging data centers in Gulf states, Iran has in recent days warned of the “total and complete destruction” of a massive OpenAI data center under construction in Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates, estimated to be worth about $30 billion.

The facility, also known as “Stargate UAE,” is part of the broader Stargate project — a $500 billion initiative backed by the U.S. government aimed at building global computing infrastructure for artificial intelligence, particularly artificial general intelligence (AGI). Experts now assess that the UAE may need to deploy dedicated air defense systems around the server farms.

The complex spans about 19.2 square kilometers in Abu Dhabi and does not appear on Google Maps, apparently for security reasons. While most of the project’s activity is concentrated in the United States, including campuses in Texas and Michigan, the Abu Dhabi site is considered the largest deployment of U.S. AI infrastructure outside the country. The project is led by a consortium that includes OpenAI, SoftBank, Abu Dhabi’s MGX fund, and major tech companies such as Nvidia, Oracle and Cisco.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps issued the threat in a video statement, warning that “any damage to Iran’s power infrastructure will be met with a decisive response.” IRGC spokesperson Ebrahim Zolfaqari threatened the “total and complete destruction” of American and Israeli facilities, with the data center explicitly marked in the video as a target.

“If the United States continues its threats regarding Iran’s power plants, the following retaliatory steps will be taken swiftly,” the spokesperson said. “All power stations, energy infrastructure and information and communications technology of the Zionist regime, and all similar companies in the region with American shareholders, will face total and complete destruction.”

At the end of Zolfaqari’s remarks, the video transitions to an image of Earth from space, zooms in on Abu Dhabi via Google Maps, and focuses on a desert area not far from the coast, without naming it. However, a caption attached to the site reads: “Nothing remains hidden from our eyes, even if Google conceals it.” The video then shifts to a night-vision-style display of the area, showing the data center from above.

Iran has already reportedly caused significant damage in the past month to data centers operated by Amazon Web Services in Abu Dhabi and Bahrain, as well as Oracle facilities in Dubai, forcing them to scale back operations following missile strikes.

Because two “availability zones” in the UAE were hit simultaneously, standard backup systems used by many companies failed, forcing businesses to move data to centers outside the Gulf region.

In recent weeks, Iran has issued similar threats targeting Middle East facilities of major technology companies including Nvidia, Microsoft, Apple, Google and at least 14 other U.S. tech firms.

https://www.ynetnews.com/tech-and-digital/article/syqzqgwhzx

Army Rescues 31 Kidnapped Worshippers In Kaduna

2026-04-06T16:28:43Z

Thirty-one civilians held hostage following a Sunday morning church attack in north-west Nigeria have been rescued, the army has said.

Five others were killed as gunmen targeted Easter celebrations at a church in Ariko, Kaduna state, according to a statement from the security forces. A local church official had earlier put the number of dead at seven.

The army said soldiers engaged the attackers in a "fierce firefight", forcing them to flee and leave the hostages and the bodies of the dead victims behind.

Attacks and kidnappings for ransom are common occurrences in northern Nigeria, as the country grapples with security threats from jihadist groups and armed gangs, locally known as bandits.

Although the army said it responded swiftly to Sunday's attack, local media report that residents said the gunmen operated for a long time without facing resistance.

As a result of the firefight, officials said the "fleeing terrorists" had "significant casualties, as evidenced by blood trails along their escape routes".

Troops had also been deployed to hunt the insurgents and reinforce security.
The army has urged residents to share information that can support operations against groups fuelling insecurity across the country.

It added that sustained pressure from the troops forced the attackers to abandon their captives while retreating.

“The pressure mounted by the advancing troops forced the terrorists to abandon 31 hostages, including one injured victim who is currently receiving medical attention.”

The statement, however, regretted that despite the successful rescue operation, five people were killed in the attack.

“Regrettably, the remains of five victims already killed by the terrorists were also recovered at the scene

In a separate incident, Nigeria's military killed 65 bandits following an offensive in Zamfara state, the AFP news agency reported on Sunday, days after a large group of bandits abducted residents from villages ‌in the state.

Police had on Saturday confirmed that there had been a mass abduction in villages in the state earlier in the week and a manhunt had been launched.

Late last year, the administration of US President Donald Trump raised concerns about the treatment of Christians in Nigeria - and urged the government to do more to improve security and strengthen protection for Christian communities.

Meanwhile, the Taraba State Police Command has arrested some suspects in connection with the killing of three policemen and the Vigilante leader of Tor Damisa in the Donga Local Government Area of the state.

The arrest of the suspects, who include Suleman Abdullahi, 30, and Idris Kauri, 33, is said to be from Akente village in the same Donga LGA, followed by a series of engagements with relevant stakeholders and intelligence gathering.

Briefing journalists after parading the suspects at the state Police Command, the state Commissioner of Police, Morkwap S. Dongshal, who took over the Command shortly after the unfortunate incident, disclosed that the three service rifles of the slain policemen were also recovered.

The CP further revealed that the Command is on the trail of other suspects who are currently at large, vowing to ensure that they are apprehended wherever they are hiding across Nigeria.

https://www.thisdaylive.com/2026/04/06/troops-foil-terror-attack-rescue-31-abducted-church-worshippers-in-kaduna/

See Dangote's Reaction On Wearing Tinubu's Signature Cap (Video)

2026-04-06T15:49:49Z

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kmy4uSoG4X0

Moment Man tried putting President Bola Tinubu’s signature cap on Nigerian businessmen, Aliko Dangote’s head.

Another Presidential Promise Fails In Less Than 24 Hours. - Peter Obi

2026-04-06T15:20:20Z

“This Experience Will Not Repeat Itself” - Another Presidential Promise fails in less than 24 Hours.

Less than 24 hours after President Tinubu stood at the Jos Plateau State airport on April 2, 2026, and promised the grieving Nigerian citizens, “I promise you that this experience will not repeat itself,” another brutal attack occurred in Nyamgo Gyel, Jos South LGA, resulting in the deaths of several innocent citizens.

Since then, and only a week following that reassuring promise from the President, Nasarawa State has been plunged into grief as the Akyawa and Udege Kasa communities fled for their lives after gunmen killed at least 11 people. Many homes were reduced to ashes, and numerous families remain missing.

In Zamfara State, 150 innocent Nigerians were abducted from the Kurfa Danya and Kurfan Magaji communities in one of the largest mass kidnappings in recent times. On the same day of the Zamfara kidnappings, terrorists in Borno State stormed Chibok, killing four officers and burning down homes.

Yesterday, on Easter Sunday, Benue State was rocked by violence again, with over 17 Nigerians massacred, entire communities left in ruins, and many individuals still unaccounted for. Today, in Kaduna State, several innocent citizens were killed by terrorists inside churches, with many others abducted in the Ariko community of Kachia LGA.

Yet we were told, “This experience will not repeat itself.” This represents a failure of leadership and responsibility, and sadly, Nigerians are paying for it with their lives.

These attackers are not ghostly figures; our inaction emboldens them. How can a President make such a categorical promise and, mere hours later, the nation continues to count the dead across multiple states? The primary responsibility of any government is to protect lives and property; however, this responsibility is failing today. Nigerians are being slaughtered in their homes, in their communities, and in the very places they should feel safest. Even the President did not enter these communities, so who is truly safe in Nigeria?

This is a national emergency. Nigeria is bleeding, and the situation is worsening and increasingly helpless.

A New Nigeria is POssible. -PO

Source

Another Presidential Promise Fails In Less Than 24 Hours. - Peter Obi

'Can Someone Block Me On WhatsApp, Without Me Knowing?'

2026-04-06T15:18:10Z

How possible is this ,some block me on WhatsApp without me,

See 11 Outfield Players Who Have Played In Goal Keepers Role

2026-04-06T14:34:23Z

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y8wIdYhRUF8?si=PVlhR1bzBrDk9Hxp

In this thrilling video, we dive into those rare moments when OUTFIELD players step up to become GOALKEEPERS! ⚽️ Witness the unexpected as we explore instances from the Premier League featuring teams like Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham and Manchester City.

Goalkeepers arguably have the hardest job in football in having to keep out the opposition. Such is the specialised nature of the position, only very rarely do outfield players ever go in goal, and that too, only in extreme circumstances. Pele, Olivier Giroud and Rio Ferdinand are among the high-profile names to have played as a goalkeeper during a game.

As the years go by and footballers' profiles evolve, it becomes less and less rare to see them capable of playing in different positions. Players such as Joshua Kimmich, Joao Cancelo and David Alaba are renowned for their versatility and can play in a number of different positions. But no matter how good they are, none of them have the ability to become a genuinely top-class goalkeeper.

Unlike a traditional player, a goalkeeper must be skilful with his hands, have above-average reflexes and be able to read the trajectory of a ball. In some cases, however, history has shown that certain players, known as 'outfielders', have had to don the gloves and become their team's last line of defence for a match or a few minutes at a time. This article lists 11 iconic players who, in the course of their careers, have been forced to replace their goalkeeper in their own goal.

11 Outfield Players Who Have Played in Goal
Rank; 1
Player; Alfredo Di Stefano
Game; River Plate vs Boca Juniors
Date; 31th of July 1949

The rivalry between River Plate and Boca Juniors is perhaps one of the most important in world football - and has been for several decades - and has many stories to tell. The one on the 31th of July 1949 is one of the most famous. On that day, El Millonario hosted their neighbours at the Monumental.
A goal from Angel Labruna put River in front, and they looked to be on their way to victory, until something dramatic happened at the end of the game. La Banda Roja goalkeeper Amadeo Carrizo was forced to give up his place and was replaced by Alfredo Di Stefano, the future Real Madrid player, who managed to maintain his side's advantage despite the lack of suitable kit (gloves did not yet exist). It should be noted that, at the time, the rules did not yet allow the goalkeeper to be replaced by his substitute.

Rank; 2
Player; Pele.
Game; Santos vs Gremio
Date; 19th of January 1964

Everyone knows Pele as one of the greatest players in the history of the beautiful game. Yet few know that the Brazilian once played as a goalkeeper. One crazy anecdote dates back to 1963, during a prolific league match between his Santos team and Gremio - Santos won 4-3.

The 24-year-old, who scored a hat-trick that day, replaced his team-mate and goalkeeper Gilmar, who had been sent off, for the last five minutes of the game. As his former team-mate Pepe recounted, Pele shone once again, as usual, making several decisive saves to seal his side's victory.

Ranks; 3
Player; Gerd Muller
Game; Hamburg SV vs Bayern Munich
Date; 20th of October 1965

It's hard to imagine Gerd Muller, Bayern Munich's all-time top scorer and the German league's all-time top scorer, donning a pair of gloves as a goalkeeper. And yet he did. On the 20th of October 1965, as Bayern Munich took on Hamburg, the German striker was already doing what he was used to doing (he was only 20 at the time): scoring.

After scoring against HSV, it was in another area of the game that Der Bomber made his game memorable. With goalkeeper Sepp Maier needing treatment for a knee injury, the centre-forward replaced him on the goal line for a few minutes. It was a rare moment for a player reputed to be better with his feet than his hands, but he still managed to keep his goal intact.

Rank; 4
Player; Jan Koller
Game; Bayern Munich vs Borussia Dortmund
Date; 9th of November 2002

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-F_77KKqd20?si=738dUZGONQDm-gKn

Matthias Sammer's decision to replace Jens Lehmann, who was sent off in the Klasiker against Bayern Munich, with Jan Koller was perhaps the most logical decision ever. At 6ft8in, the Borussia Dortmund striker looked the most likely to deputise for his keeper, despite the fact that his coach had already made three tactical changes.

It was a decision that almost paid off, because although Koller did not concede a single goal in his 24 minutes in goal, his team still lost to the Bavarians. And had he needed a consolation prize, the Czech could have been proud of being voted team of the week by German sports daily Kicker.

Rank; 5
Player; Rio Ferdinand
Game; Manchester United vs Portsmouth
Date; 9th of March 2008

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1eQwRv45Eno?si=tnuVGYaNWfi3MEpB

Perhaps this episode has served Rio Ferdinand well in his quest to establish himself as one of the finest defenders in Premier League history. On the 9th of March 2008, Manchester United played host to Portsmouth in the FA Cup quarter-finals. On the face of it, the match looked to be in the Red Devils' favour, as they were overwhelming favourites. But not everything went according to plan.

When Edwin van der Sar went off injured at half-time, Sir Alex Ferguson was forced to rely on his replacement, Tomasz Kuszczak. The latter, playing in his first FA Cup match of the season, distinguished himself in the worst possible way, conceding a penalty and getting sent off with 15 minutes remaining. It was a disaster scenario to which Ferdinand responded by pulling on the gloves. But despite the Englishman's best efforts, he was unable to prevent the spot-kick being converted, and Manchester United went down 1-0.

Rank; 6
Player; Felipe Melo
Game; Elazigspor vs Galatasaray
Date; 24th of November 2012

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d4HWS_8MgHQ?si=vyvDP18VwzQ1-fyw

Similar situations, different stakes. Like Sakho, Felipe Melo also found himself in goal for his Galatasaray side after goalkeeper Fernando Muslera was sent off for a foul in his area. But while Paris Saint-Germain were assured of the Ligue 1 title, Cimbom (Galatasaray's nickname) could have moved to within a point of Super Lig leaders Antalyaspor with a win.

Their mission was well under way, with the Stambouliotes leading 1-0 against Elazigsport in the 89th minute. Faced with the opposing marksman, the Brazilian had the chance to give his side a precious win at a hugely important time. Going to his right, he miraculously saved the penalty - adding an iconic dog-like celebration to his achievement - and kept his side ahead, eventually winning the league.

Rank; 7
Player; Mamadou Sakho
Game; FC Lorient vs Paris Saint-Germain
Date; 26th of May 2013

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8oBXi_-L4u8?si=ds6ytZys1khc62TR

By the time they travelled to Lorient in 2013, PSG were already guaranteed the French title. It was an opportunity for Carlo Ancelotti, whose departure for Real Madrid the following season was already a foregone conclusion, to carry out an extensive squad review. Alphonse Areola, who started the game, was replaced by substitute Ranan Le Crom on the hour mark, with the score already 0-2 up.

A third goal, scored by Kevin Gameiro, who scored twice on the night, added to the lead. But the real event of the match did not come until the 81st minute. Le Crom was fouled in his own area and conceded a penalty, forcing the referee to send him back to the dressing room.

Ancelotti then took the opportunity to bring on Mamadou Sakho, a central defender, to take his place in goal. Arnaud Le Lan converted the spot-kick to bring the score back down to 3-1, but Lorient could not find a way past the fill-in PSG goalkeeper again.

Rank; 8
Player; Harry Kane
Game; Tottenham vs Asteras Tripolis
Date; 23rd of October 2014

As well as being a formidable goalscorer, Harry Kane has proved himself to be a player full of unexpected resources. In 2014, when Tottenham played host to Greek side Asteras Tripolis in the Europa League group stage, the striker proved just that. After scoring a hat-trick during the match, the 'Prince' was forced to replace Hugo Lloris in the Spurs goal after the latter's dismissal.

It was an unusual experience from which the Englishman did not emerge unscathed, conceding a goal from a direct free-kick late on. It was an inconsequential goal, given that his team were already 5-0 up, but it was an anecdote that all the north London club's supporters still remember.

[i]Rank; 9
Player; Kyle Walker
Game; Atalanta vs Manchester City
Date; 6th of November 2019[/i]

With Manchester City needing just a point - from two games - to reach the last 16 of the Champions League in 2019, the trip to Italy to take on Atalanta was the perfect opportunity. And Raheem Sterling's early goal gave the City fans a little extra something to cheer about.

But just as everything seemed to be going to plan, the situation changed at the start of the second half. Ederson was forced off with a minor injury and replaced by Claudio Bravo, who promptly conceded the equaliser. To make matters worse, the Chilean keeper was also sent off for a foul on Josip Ilicic. Right-back Kyle Walker took on the gloves and occupied the Skyblues' goal for 17 minutes, managing not to concede another goal, including denying a long-range free-kick from Atalanta.

Rank; 10
Player; Chaker Alhadhur
Game; Cameroon - Comoros
Date; 24th of January 2022

Here again is an image that has left its mark on the world of football. In 2022, when the Comoros were due to face Cameroon in the Round of 16 of the Africa Cup of Nations, the Coelacanthes (the nickname of the Comoros national team) were faced with an unprecedented situation: all three of their goalkeepers had been affected by the coronavirus and were unavailable for the match.

So Chaker Alhadhur, a full-back by trade, took on the responsibility of replacing them in goal against one of the continent's top teams. It was a memorable match in which the player trained at FC Nantes in France made a number of impressive saves and conceded just two goals. Despite his team's elimination, Alhadhur won the hearts of all observers and became a true national hero.

Rank; 11
Player; Olivier Giroud
Game; Genoa vs AC Milan
Date; 7th of October 2023

It is undoubtedly one of the images of the 2023/24 Serie A season. Travelling to Genoa for the eighth matchday of the season, AC Milan thought they were on their way to a hard-fought victory when Christian Pulisic scored in the 87th minute. But although they did win (0-1), the end of the match turned into something of a nightmare. Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan was sent off in the 90th minute after a poor clearance from outside his area.

With Stefano Pioli having already made all his changes, it was Olivier Giroud who finally replaced his compatriot for the final minutes. The French striker was perfectly placed to fill in for the Frenchman, who was even rewarded with a place in the Italian league's team of the week when he saved at the feet of an opposing striker.

https://www.givemesport.com/outfield-players-who-have-played-in-goal-ranked/