Kidnapped Nigerian prince regains freedom after N300m ransom payment

By: Zagazola Makama

Prince Bankole Adepegba, also known as “Ade Bendel,” who was abducted on May 1, has regained his freedom after the payment of a ransom amounting to N300 million.

Sources told Zagazola Makama that the abductors released him to his family overnight on May 3, following the payment of 100 million CFA francs, equivalent to about N300 million.

Police sources said after his release, the victim was taken to BOHCON Hospital in the Republic of Benin for medical attention.

Further information revealed that his Toyota Corolla car remains at the Sabe Police Station in the Republic of Benin, where it was recovered during the incident.

Kidnapped Nigerian prince regains freedom after N300m ransom payment

Troops neutralise bandit, recover rifle and motorcycle in Taraba ambush

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of the 6 Brigade, Nigerian Army, have neutralised a suspected bandit and recovered arms and a motorcycle during a special operation in Ussa Local Government Area of Taraba State.

Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the operation, conducted under Operation Lafiyan Jama’a, followed credible intelligence on the movement of bandits around Fikyu axis in Ussa LGA.

The sources disclosed that the ambush was successfully executed by the troops at about 9:00 p.m. on Saturday, around Gafar village.

“Troops laid an ambush along identified crossing points of the bandits in the area. At about 032100A May 25, troops sighted some bandits moving towards Gafar with possible intent to attack.

“The ambush party immediately engaged the bandits, neutralising one, while others fled into the bush,” said the sources.

He added that the troops subsequently exploited the general area and recovered one AK-47 rifle and a motorcycle earlier snatched from a local resident.

The recovered items are in custody for further action

VP Shettima, African Leaders Witness Inauguration Of Gabon President

By: Our Reporter

In a true show of support for Africa’s democracy, Vice President Kashim Shettima, alongside other world leaders, on Saturday joined thousands of Gabonese citizens as Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema was inaugurated as the Gabonese President.

This followed his election victory on April 12, 2025 when he emerged victorious after beating seven others to win the presidential election.

Nguema had been the interim President for twenty months following a change in government and ouster of former President Ali Bongo.

The inauguration ceremony, which held at the Stade de l’Amitié sino-gabonaise in Libreville, Gabon, saw military parades, marchpast and display of Gabon’s rich cultural heritage.

In his inauguration speech, the President of Gabon, Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, thanked citizens of the country for their overwhelming support for him, leading to his emergence as a democratically elected President.

He pledged to work hard for the development of Gabon as well as empower the youth in order to secure the future of the nation.

President Nguema further promised to address the challenges of insecurity and criminality that are troubling the country, adding that the lack of adequate water supply will also be tackled.

He recognised the role of the United Nations as he pledged to work with them, just as he called for peaceful coexistence amongst African nations.

Aside Vice President Kashim Shettima who represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the event, other heads of state present included President Teodoro Obiang Nguema of Equatorial Guinea, Paul Kagame of Rwanda, John Dramani Mahama of Ghana, Faustin-Archange Touadéra of Central African Republic, Adama Barrow of The Gambia, Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone, Félix Tshisekedi of Democratic Republic of Congo, Bassirou Diomaye Faye of Senegal, and Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno of Chad.

Others were Denis Sassou Nguesso of Republic of Congo, Ismaïl Omar Guelleh of Djibouti, Umaro Sissoco Embaló of Guinea-Bissau and Évariste Ndayishimiye of Burundi among many others.

Vice President Shettima, who was joined on the short trip by Chairman, House Committee on Police Affairs, Hon Usman Bello Kumo and the Special Adviser to the President on General Duties (Office of the Vice President), Dr. Aliyu Modibbo, has since returned to Abuja.

VP Shettima, African Leaders Witness Inauguration Of Gabon President