News
Heavy Gunfire, Explosions Reported Near Niamey Airport as Security Forces Deploy Across Capital
Heavy Gunfire, Explosions Reported Near Niamey Airport as Security Forces Deploy Across Capital
By: Zagazola Makama
Heavy gunfire and explosions were reported around Diori Hamani International Airport in Niamey, Niger’s capital, on Thursday, triggering a major security response and heightened tension across the city.
Multiple security sources said the incident began in the early hours of the day, with sustained gunfire reportedly lasting for more than two hours.
The exact nature of the incident remained unclear as of press time, with authorities yet to issue an official statement on whether it was a terrorist attack, an armed assault on security installations or an attempted counter-coup operation.
Residents in several parts of the capital were advised to remain indoors while security forces moved to contain the situation.
Sources said a security cordon was established around key locations in the city, extending to the Hospital Roundabout, while heavily armed personnel and military equipment were deployed at multiple checkpoints on roads leading to the Presidential Palace.
Witnesses reported an increased presence of security forces across strategic areas of the capital as authorities sought to restore calm and prevent any escalation.
Diori Hamani International Airport, which hosts Air Base 101, is regarded as one of Niger’s most strategic security installations and is located about 10 kilometres from the Presidential Palace.
The facility was previously targeted during an attack attributed to suspected Islamic State Sahel Province (ISSP) and ISWAP fighters on Jan. 28 and 29, 2026.
However, there was no immediate indication that Thursday’s incident was linked to the earlier attack, and no group had claimed responsibility as of the time of filing this report.
Sources said the situation was gradually stabilising, although security operations remained ongoing across the city.
Authorities are expected to provide further details as investigations continue.
Heavy Gunfire, Explosions Reported Near Niamey Airport as Security Forces Deploy Across Capital
News
Troops Recover Rustled Cow, Rescue Driver from Mob Attack in Kaduna
Troops Recover Rustled Cow, Rescue Driver from Mob Attack in Kaduna
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace have recovered a rustled cow and rescued a driver from an attempted mob attack following a cattle rustling incident in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Security sources said troops of Sub-Sector 6 responded to a distress call at about 2:45 a.m. on Tuesday following reports of cattle rustling at Wuro Goshe Village.
According to the sources, the suspected rustlers fled the scene upon sighting the troops, abandoning a vehicle loaded with a cow believed to have been stolen.
The troops subsequently rescued the driver of the vehicle from an attempted lynching by angry youths who had gathered at the scene.
The driver was evacuated to the Jaji Military Cantonment Medical Centre for treatment.
The recovered cow was later identified and handed over to its rightful owner, while the abandoned vehicle remains in military custody pending further investigation and necessary action.
Security agencies are continuing efforts to identify and apprehend the fleeing suspects.
Troops Recover Rustled Cow, Rescue Driver from Mob Attack in Kaduna
News
APC Chairman, Uzodimma Rally Diaspora Support for Tinubu, Call for Unity Ahead of 2027
APC Chairman, Uzodimma Rally Diaspora Support for Tinubu, Call for Unity Ahead of 2027
By: Michael Mike
National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, and Governor of Imo State, Chief Hope Uzodimma, have urged Nigerians in the diaspora to close ranks and mobilise support for President Bola Tinubu and his Renewed Hope Agenda.
The call was made during a Strategic Global Diaspora Conference organised by the Directorate of Diaspora and Global Affairs of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, which brought together more than 600 participants from across Africa, the United Kingdom, America, Canada, Europe and Australia.
Addressing the virtual gathering, Yilwatda stressed the need for greater cohesion among APC members abroad, saying a united diaspora community would be instrumental in projecting Nigeria’s image and effectively communicating the administration’s reforms and achievements.
He advocated the establishment of structured media teams to counter misinformation and negative narratives about Nigeria while promoting the country’s progress on the global stage.
The APC chairman also highlighted the importance of diaspora participation in voter education initiatives, investment mobilisation and broader support for the Tinubu administration.
Uzodimma, who also serves as Director-General of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, underscored the strategic role of Nigerians abroad in grassroots mobilisation, urging them to remain united and committed to ensuring the success of President Tinubu’s administration and securing electoral victory for the APC in 2027.
Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State, who is Deputy Director-General of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, described the diaspora community as a critical political asset capable of mobilising support across various constituencies.
He commended the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, for convening the conference, noting that Nigerians abroad could play a decisive role in sustaining the party’s grassroots reach.
Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Bernard Doro, called for stronger connections between diaspora expertise and grassroots governance. He advocated the establishment of a vibrant media structure involving young Nigerians to showcase government achievements and combat misinformation.
Also speaking, Chief of Staff to the Governor of Lagos State and Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors in the state, Chief Tayo Ayinde, highlighted what he described as key gains of the Tinubu administration, including renewed investor confidence, large-scale infrastructure development and the implementation of interest-free student loans through the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND).
For her part, Dabiri-Erewa pledged to deepen engagement with millions of APC members in the diaspora through effective communication and policy dissemination strategies.
The APC Diaspora Coordinating Chairman, Mr. Tunde Doherty, and the Operational Director of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, Mr. Tayo Shodeinde, described the conference as an “August gathering” of APC diaspora leaders and representatives worldwide aimed at strengthening coordination for future initiatives.
Participants at the conference pledged total support for the organisation’s objectives and called for improved communication channels, greater engagement with government officials and wider dissemination of President Tinubu’s achievements among Nigerians abroad.
Organisers said the global virtual conference would become a continuous programme designed to foster unity among diaspora communities and consolidate support for the Renewed Hope Agenda.
APC Chairman, Uzodimma Rally Diaspora Support for Tinubu, Call for Unity Ahead of 2027
News
Troops Raid Illegal Bunkering Site in Bayelsa, Recover Equipment, Stolen Products
Troops Raid Illegal Bunkering Site in Bayelsa, Recover Equipment, Stolen Products
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 2, Operation DELTA SAFE (OPDS), have raided a suspected illegal oil bunkering site at Kpansia general area in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
The operation, which took place at about 00:40 hours on 16 June 2026, led to the recovery of two vehicles, one pumping machine, 53 sacks of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) estimated at about 2,650 litres, five empty drums, and two wheelbarrows.
A military source said the troops acted on credible intelligence and stormed the location, disrupting ongoing illegal bunkering activities in the area.
The recovered items and products were evacuated to a safe location for destruction, owing to the densely populated nature of the community.
The source added that operations are still ongoing in the area to track and apprehend other members of the syndicate.
Troops Raid Illegal Bunkering Site in Bayelsa, Recover Equipment, Stolen Products
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