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Army sustains onslaught, neutralises more terrorists, nabs others

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Troops have continued to record more successes in neutralising and arresting terrorists in various operations across the country.

A credible source at Army Headquarters on Sunday told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that some kidnapped victims and cache of arms were also recovered during the operations.

According to the source, several terrorists had been killed and apprehended from July 30 to Aug. 2.

In Borno, the source said the troops of 19 Brigade Garrison engaged Islamic States of West African Province (ISWAP) terrorists at Kekeno in Kukawa Local Government Area (NAN), forcing the insurgents to retreat following a heavy exchange of gunfire.

He said that troops recovered 67 rounds of 7.62mm Special, 81 rounds of 7.62mm x 54mm belt links, and 21 rounds of 5.56mm ammunition during the pursuit.

“Also recovered were a hand grenade and an improvised explosive device (IED) planted along the Monguno–Kekeno route, which was safely detonated by the Explosive Ordnance Disposal team,” he said.

In Taraba, the source said a joint operation by Sector 3 of Operation WHIRL STROKE and the Department of State Services (DSS) led to the arrest of a suspected gunrunner in Wukari.

According to him, items recovered included 362 rounds of 7.62mm Special, one round of 7.62mm NATO, a motorcycle, three mobile phones, and ₦842,100 in cash.

Read Also: Army arrests 183 suspected fraudsters in Delta

He added that troops of 63 Brigade Garrison, in collaboration with the Nigerian Police, rescued three kidnapped victims comprising two female students and an adult male around Otulu Forest in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta.

He said that one kidnapper was neutralised during the operation as well as recovery of one AK-47 magazine with 16 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition, five mobile phones, four school bags, and ₦3.6 million in cash.

According to him, the rescued victims were taken for medical care.

“In another operation, troops of 323 Artillery Regiment in Ondo State arrested a suspected criminal along the Ikare-Ekiti Road.

“The suspect was found in possession of a dane gun, machete, and a black mask and has since been handed over to the police for further investigation and prosecution.

“Similarly, in Ughelli South of Delta, troops of 181 Amphibious Battalion, working with Tantita Security Operatives, arrested a suspected illegal oil bunkering.

“The suspect was found with three sacks of illegally refined petroleum products. The arrest and materials were processed in accordance with Operation DELTA SAFE protocols,” he added.

The military source states that the coordinated operations underscored the Nigerian army’s resolve to safeguard the nation’s territorial integrity and restore peace across the country.

(NAN)

BBNaija: Kayikunmi, Isabella spark controversy with intimate moment

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The Big Brother Naija Season 10 house took a steamy turn after the first Saturday night party as housemates Kayikunmi and Isabella were caught engaging in an intimate act on live television.

In a widely circulated clip, Isabella was seen exposing her breast and placing it in Kayikunmi’s mouth. This came after an earlier moment where the male housemate was captured fondling her nipples.

Read Also: BBNaija Season 10: 28 Housemates nominated for ‘fake eviction’

The explicit scene has ignited a heated debate on social media. While some fans condemned the display as inappropriate for a public broadcast, others defended the duo, stressing that the reality show is rated for mature audiences.

Critics have also raised concerns about content standards and the boundaries of privacy within the BBNaija house. Meanwhile, supporters have pointed out what they describe as a double standard, noting that Isabella has received more backlash than Kayikunmi over the incident.

With tensions already running high in the BBNaija house, this latest controversy is likely to stir further discussions about morality, entertainment, and gender bias in reality TV.

Full list of African artistes who have sold out Major events world wide

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African music and entertainment stars have continued to make waves globally, selling out some of the biggest arenas and stadiums across Europe, America, Asia, and beyond.

From record-breaking stadium shows to sold-out indoor arenas, these feats highlight the growing influence of African talent on the world stage.

Below is a compilation of African artistes and the major venues they have sold out, including each artist’s country and the seating capacity of the venue.

1.            Stade de France, France (80,698) – Burna Boy (Nigeria)

2.            Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, UK (62,850) – Wizkid (Nigeria)

3.            London Stadium, UK (60,000) – Burna Boy (Nigeria) [x2]

4.            Citi Field, USA (41,922) – Burna Boy (Nigeria)

5.            GelreDome, Netherlands (41,000) – Burna Boy (Nigeria)

6.            Paris La Défense Arena, France (40,000) – Burna Boy (Nigeria), Fally Ipupa (DR Congo)

7.            Sportpaleis, Belgium (23,359) – Burna Boy (Nigeria)

8.            State Farm Arena, USA (21,000) – Burna Boy (Nigeria) [x2], Davido (Nigeria)

9.            Bell Centre, Canada (21,000) – Burna Boy (Nigeria)

10.          Accor Arena, France (20,300) – Burna Boy (Nigeria) [x2], Wizkid (Nigeria), Fally Ipupa (DR Congo), Youssou N’Dour (Senegal), Rema (Nigeria)

11.          O2 Arena, UK (20,000) – Trevor Noah (South Africa) [x6], Wizkid (Nigeria) [x5], Davido (Nigeria) [x3], Asake (Nigeria) [x2], Burna Boy (Nigeria), Rema (Nigeria)

12.          Madison Square Garden, USA (20,000) – Trevor Noah (South Africa), Burna Boy (Nigeria), Asake (Nigeria), Wizkid (Nigeria), Black Coffee (South Africa)

13.          Capital One Arena, USA (20,000) – Burna Boy (Nigeria) [x2], Davido (Nigeria), Asake (Nigeria)

14.          Lanxess Arena, Germany (20,000) – Burna Boy (Nigeria)

15.          Scotiabank Arena, Canada (19,800) – Burna Boy (Nigeria) [x2], Trevor Noah (South Africa) [x2], Davido (Nigeria), Asake (Nigeria), Rema (Nigeria)

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16.          TD Garden, USA (19,580) – Burna Boy (Nigeria)

17.          Chase Center, USA (19,500) – Trevor Noah (South Africa) [x2]

18.          Toyota Center, USA (19,000) – Burna Boy (Nigeria)

19.          Barclays Center, USA (19,000) – Davido (Nigeria), Asake (Nigeria)

20.          Ziggo Dome, Netherlands (17,000) – Trevor Noah (South Africa), Burna Boy (Nigeria), Wizkid (Nigeria)

21.          Coca-Cola Arena, UAE (17,000) – Trevor Noah (South Africa), Davido (Nigeria)

22.          Bercy Arena (Accor Arena before renovation), France (17,000) – Koffi Olomide (DR Congo), Papa Wemba (DR Congo), Werrason (DR Congo), JP Mpiana (DR Congo), Youssou N’Dour (Senegal)

23.          Rotterdam Ahoy, Netherlands (16,426) – Burna Boy (Nigeria)

24.          ING Arena, Belgium (15,000) – Fally Ipupa (DR Congo)

25.          HFC Bank Stadium, Ghana (15,000) – Lucky Dube (South Africa)

26.          3Arena, Ireland (13,000) – Burna Boy (Nigeria)

27.          OVO Arena, UK (12,500) – Basketmouth (Nigeria), Burna Boy (Nigeria), Fally Ipupa (DR Congo), Fireboy DML (Nigeria), Adekunle Gold (Nigeria), Flavour (Nigeria)

Ex-IGP Mike Okiro denies attempt to Usurp Egbetokun’s powers

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Former Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Mike Okiro has dismissed claims that he is attempting to usurp the powers of the current IGP, Kayode Egbetokun.

In a statement issued on Saturday in Abuja by his Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Supreme Ibitomi, Okiro described the reports as “entirely false” and an attempt to tarnish his reputation.

“It is unfortunate that some individuals would resort to spreading falsehoods to tarnish the image of a respected figure like Okiro,” the statement read.

Okiro explained that the recent meeting of retired IGPs was convened to address concerns over the compulsory retirement of some senior police officers. He said he acted solely in his capacity as the chosen leader of the forum, not as an individual trying to influence current police leadership.

Read Also: Police recover body of Kogi journalist murdered by colleague

“Egbetokun is an intelligent, well-educated, and experienced police officer who does not require external influence to carry out his constitutional duties,” Okiro said.

He stressed that the initiative reflected the forum’s commitment to protecting the welfare of police officers and upholding the integrity of the force.

Okiro also urged the public to disregard what he described as “malicious propaganda,” pledging that the forum would continue to advocate for the rights and dignity of both serving and retired police officers.

“The publication will not intimidate or stampede the forum into abandoning its commitment. Rather, it will strengthen our resolve to pursue justice and fairness for all,” he added.

The former police chief called on Nigerians to support the forum’s efforts in promoting officer welfare and advancing justice and security nationwide.

French prosecutors push for rape trial against PSG’s Hakimi

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French prosecutors have called for Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) defender Achraf Hakimi to stand trial over the alleged rape of a 24-year-old woman in 2023, an accusation the Moroccan international firmly denies.

The Nanterre prosecutor’s office confirmed on Friday that it had asked the investigating judge to refer the case to a criminal court.

“It is now up to the investigating magistrate to make a decision within the framework of his order,” the prosecutor’s office said in a statement to AFP.

Read Also: BREAKING: Chelsea make history with 3-0 Club World Cup Triumph over PSG

Hakimi, 26, was charged in March 2023 after allegedly inviting the woman to his home in Boulogne-Billancourt, a suburb of Paris, on February 25, 2023, while his wife and children were away on holiday. Prosecutors claim he paid for her travel to the residence.

The Moroccan star, who denies the allegations, played a pivotal role in PSG’s run to their historic first UEFA Champions League title, scoring the opening goal in their 5-0 victory over Inter Milan in the May 2024 final.

Hakimi also made headlines at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, where he was a key figure in Morocco’s sensational run to the semi-finals — making them the first African and Arab nation to reach that stage in tournament history.

The investigating magistrate will now decide whether the case proceeds to trial.

Aaron Ramsdale joins Newcastle on season-long loan from Southampton

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England goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale has joined Newcastle United on a season-long loan from Southampton, with the chance to reunite with manager Eddie Howe playing a major role in his decision.

The 27-year-old, who previously worked with Howe at Bournemouth, said the move felt like a return to familiar ground. Howe signed Ramsdale from Sheffield United in 2017 for around £800,000, helping to shape the early stages of his professional career.

Read Also: Bryan Mbeumo set for Manchester United debut against Everton

“Working with the manager and his coaching staff again was a big draw for me,” Ramsdale said.
“They’ve already had a great influence on my career. The gaffer turned me from a man into a professional footballer at Bournemouth and really showed me the ropes.”

Newcastle turned to Ramsdale after Manchester City beat them to the signing of their initial target, James Trafford, from Burnley.

Ramsdale becomes the Magpies’ third signing of the summer, following the arrivals of Anthony Elanga from Nottingham Forest and Antonio Cordero from Malaga.

Meanwhile, Newcastle rejected a £110 million bid from Liverpool for striker Alexander Isak on Friday. The club values the Swedish forward at around £150 million and remains determined to keep him.

Bryan Mbeumo set for Manchester United debut against Everton

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Bryan Mbeumo is set to make his Manchester United debut against Everton in Atlanta on Saturday, as the club wraps up its three-game Premier League Summer Series campaign.

The 24-year-old winger, signed from Brentford this summer as part of a £130 million transfer outlay alongside Matheus Cunha, missed United’s earlier pre-season fixtures while working to match the fitness levels of his new teammates. His delay was due to Brentford starting pre-season training a week later than Ruben Amorim’s squad.

United head coach Ruben Amorim confirmed Mbeumo’s involvement, saying:

“He is going to play. I’m really excited to see him and what he can give to our team.”

Read Also: EPL: Tottenham thrash Manchester United 3-0 at Old Trafford

The significant summer spending comes despite minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe warning in March that the club could have “gone bust by Christmas” without major cost-cutting. Sources within United attribute the spending capacity to factors such as Marcus Rashford’s £325,000-a-week wages being fully covered during his loan to Barcelona, sell-on clauses activated this summer, and structured payment plans for Cunha and Mbeumo.

Meanwhile, uncertainty surrounds United’s pursuit of RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko. While club insiders say negotiations are ongoing, reports from Slovenia claim the forward has chosen Newcastle United. Neither club has issued an official statement.

Even if Sesko joins, pushing United’s total summer spend close to £200 million — Amorim will still have issues to address, particularly in the goalkeeper department.

Andre Onana, who injured his hamstring on the second day of pre-season, has been working on his fitness in the United States. While he is unlikely to feature against Everton, there is hope he could return for United’s final pre-season match against Fiorentina at Old Trafford on August 9, in a game that could see former United goalkeeper David de Gea face his old club.

Amorim praised his current options, including Tom Heaton and Altay Bayindir, but admitted transfers will depend on market conditions and player sales.

Nurses suspend warning strike, direct members to resume work

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The National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) has suspended its seven-day nationwide warning strike, directing members to return to work immediately.

The decision was reached during an emergency virtual meeting of the National Executive Council (NEC) on Saturday, following a review of recent engagements with the Federal Government.

The industrial action, which began earlier in the week, sought the implementation of several demands, including an upward review of shift and uniform allowances, creation of a dedicated salary structure for nurses, an increase in core duty allowance, mass recruitment of nursing personnel, and the establishment of a dedicated nursing department within the Federal Ministry of Health.

On Friday, NANNM officials met with representatives from the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Ministry of Labour and Employment, Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Office of the Accountant General, and the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, among other stakeholders, in an effort to resolve the dispute.

Read Also: Doctors begin 3-day warning strike in Lagos

Confirming the suspension, Chidi Aligwe, Assistant Secretary-General of NANNM, said:

“The strike has been suspended. Nurses and midwives are to resume duty immediately.”

A formal circular signed by Haruna Mamman, NANNM’s National President, and T.A. Shettima, General Secretary, explained that the NEC resolved to call off the strike after reviewing the signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and agreed timelines for implementing the key issues.

The circular reads: “NEC acknowledges the positive steps taken by the Federal Government in responding to the nine core demands of NANNM, particularly the commitment to clear timelines for implementation. In view of the formal agreement reached, NEC hereby suspends the ongoing nationwide strike action with immediate effect.”

The NEC also assured members that no nurse — including interns and locum staff — would be victimised for participating in the strike, while vowing to monitor the government’s compliance with the agreed timelines.

The association commended members for their solidarity and reaffirmed its commitment to defending the welfare, dignity, and professional rights of all nurses and midwives in Nigeria.

Dangote Refinery appoints David Bird as CEO

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The Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals has named David Bird as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of its petroleum and petrochemicals division, effective July 2025.

The appointment, first reported by S&P Global, comes as the refinery works to overcome production challenges and push forward with its expansion plans, including the nationwide distribution of fuel — an initiative already attracting significant pushback from some stakeholders.

A source within the company said that Bird, a mechanical engineer and graduate of Imperial College London, also holds an MBA from Stanford University. He brings over two decades of experience with Shell and a strong track record in global oil and gas operations.

Bird previously served as the head of Oman’s Duqm Refinery and as Senior Vice President of Production Operations and Supply Chain at Santos Ltd. At Shell, he was Vice President of Prelude FLNG, leading the world’s first floating LNG facility, and chaired Shell Australia’s RAP board. He also oversaw operations at Pulau Bukom in Singapore, Shell’s largest refinery.

Read Also: Dangote Refinery suspends Petrol Discount Scheme over alleged misuse by partners

Speaking on his appointment, Bird said his priority would be to expand Dangote’s market presence beyond Nigeria and into other African countries, while driving maximum output and operational efficiency to position the company as a global energy leader.

Aliko Dangote, Chairman of Dangote Industries Limited, will continue as chairman of the refinery while serving as CEO of the broader group, which also operates in cement, fertiliser, and sugar refining.

The 650,000 barrels per day (bpd) refinery, inaugurated by former President Muhammadu Buhari in May 2023, began producing diesel and aviation fuel in January 2024 and started petrol production by September 2024, meeting global quality standards.

In September 2024, the refinery also announced an exclusive partnership with Premier Product Marketing LLC, a US-based firm, to export polypropylene to markets outside Nigeria and Africa.

By August 15, 2025, the refinery is expected to commence fuel distribution to end-users across Nigeria using 4,000 compressed natural gas (CNG)-powered trucks.

BBNaija: Thelma recounts losing mother same day she welcomed her son

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Big Brother Naija Season 10 housemate, Thelma, has shared an emotional story about one of the most painful moments of her life, losing her mother on the same day she gave birth to her son.

Speaking with fellow housemate Otega on Friday afternoon, Thelma revealed that after giving birth, she had been eagerly waiting for her mother to arrive at the hospital, unaware that she had already passed away.

Despite the grief, Thelma said she remains grateful for the lessons she learned from her late mother before her death.

Read Also: BBNaija: Housemates fail first wager challenge, face tough week ahead

“On my mom’s very last birthday, she and her friends checked into a hotel with a beautiful lounge, swimming pool, and other facilities. They had a really nice time before she passed,” Thelma recounted.

When Otega asked about the biggest realisation she had from her mother’s passing, Thelma replied:

“One thing is that she really did take her time to make decisions.”

The touching revelation comes as the BBNaija Season 10 housemates continue to bond and share personal experiences while competing for the ₦150 million grand prize.