News September 11, 2026 FG begins payment of additional exit benefits to retiring civil servants

The Federal Government has commenced disbursement of additional exit benefits to retirees from Treasury-funded Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), with 175 former civil servants receiving about N1.1 billion so far.

The National Pension Commission (PenCom) disclosed this in a statement issued in Abuja on Friday, explaining that the beneficiaries were among workers who retired from the Federal Public Service between January 1 and August 31, 2026.

The payment is being made under the Federal Government Exit Benefit Scheme (EBS), an initiative approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) to provide additional financial support to retiring civil servants.

According to PenCom, the scheme became effective on January 1 and provides an additional benefit alongside the pension entitlements available to retirees under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS).

Under the arrangement, federal civil servants who have put in at least 10 years of service are entitled to an amount equivalent to 100 per cent of their total annual emolument.

The commission said the commencement of the disbursement marked an important step in the government’s effort to strengthen financial support for retirees beyond funds available in their Retirement Savings Accounts (RSAs).

PenCom further disclosed that N32.90 billion was provided in the 2026 Appropriation for the implementation of the Additional Exit Benefits Scheme, while N12.3 billion has so far been released into the dedicated account for the programme at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

The commission said it was working with relevant government institutions, Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs) and other stakeholders to ensure the effective implementation of the scheme.

It identified the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF) and the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation as key partners in the process.

The collaboration, according to PenCom, is intended to support the verification of retirees’ records, processing of claims and timely payment of approved benefits.

To access the payment, eligible retirees are required to provide relevant documents, including clearance letters and recent payslips, to their respective PFAs.

The PFAs are expected to verify the records before submitting the required information to PenCom for additional validation and approval.

Once approval is granted, the approved exit benefit is paid into the retiree’s RSA through the PFA, after which the PFA transfers the entire amount to the beneficiary’s designated salary account.

PenCom clarified that the new payment is an additional entitlement and does not affect or replace the normal retirement benefits payable from retirees’ RSA balances.

The Federal Government said the scheme was designed to offer retiring civil servants additional financial support as they leave active service, stressing the importance of adequate resources for workers during their post-service years.

The initial N1.1 billion disbursement to 175 retirees represents the maiden payment under the scheme, paving the way for subsequent retirees of Treasury-funded MDAs to benefit from an additional exit payment equivalent to 100 per cent of their total annual emolument.

PenCom said the initiative was expected to contribute to improved financial wellbeing among public service retirees and reaffirmed its commitment to working with all relevant stakeholders to ensure smooth implementation and timely payment of the benefits.

News September 11, 2026 Shettima heads to India for BRICS Summit as Tinubu remains on European vacation

Vice-President Kashim Shettima is set to travel to New Delhi, India, to represent President Bola Tinubu at the 18th BRICS Leaders’ Summit scheduled for this weekend.

The trip comes as President Tinubu remains in Europe on vacation, while Shettima embarks on another international engagement less than 48 hours after returning from Angola, where he attended the 21st Extraordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union.

According to a statement by the Vice-President’s spokesman, Stanley Nkwocha, Nigeria’s participation at the BRICS summit will focus on strengthening relations with major international partners, expanding economic ties and advancing the country’s strategic interests.

“The engagement will provide Nigeria with another platform to strengthen partnerships in trade and investment, energy, agriculture, solid minerals, technology, and innovation, while promoting greater cooperation among countries of the Global South.” the statement said.

Shettima is expected to participate in plenary and high-level sessions involving leaders of BRICS member and partner countries, with discussions centred on global economic growth, multilateral cooperation and shared development priorities.

He is also scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with leaders and senior officials from participating countries, where opportunities for stronger economic and diplomatic relations with Nigeria are expected to feature prominently.

India is hosting the 2026 BRICS chairship under the theme, “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.”

The summit is expected to address issues spanning political and security cooperation, economic and financial partnerships, as well as cultural and people-to-people exchanges.

Nigeria became a BRICS partner country in January 2025, providing the country with an additional avenue to deepen South-South cooperation and engage emerging economies on trade, investment, development finance and reforms to global governance institutions.

According to the statement, “The country’s participation is consistent with President Tinubu’s drive to strengthen the country’s international economic partnerships, attract investment and expand markets for Nigerian products, particularly in agriculture, energy, minerals and other non-oil sectors.”

The summit also coincides with the 20th anniversary of BRICS as the bloc seeks to strengthen practical cooperation among its growing membership and network of partner countries.

Shettima is expected to return to Nigeria after the summit.

His latest trip comes against the backdrop of criticism from opposition groups over the absence of both the President and Vice-President from the country.

At the time President Tinubu left Nigeria for his vacation, Shettima was in Angola for the African Union meeting. He subsequently returned to Nigeria less than two days after the President’s departure.

Crime News September 11, 2026 Viral video: Police arrest 36-year-old woman for reportedly using sex toy on minor

The Anambra State Police Command has arrested a 36-year-old woman following a viral video allegedly showing her sexually abusing a minor in Onitsha, Anambra State.

The woman was arrested on Thursday evening, September 10, 2026, after police operatives received information through open-source intelligence about the disturbing video circulating online.

The development was disclosed in a statement issued by the Command’s Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, in Awka.

According to the Command, the video showed a woman using sex toys on a minor, prompting police operatives to commence an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the footage.

Following the investigation, police operatives arrested the suspect and rescued four children aged two, three, six and nine years.

The Command said sex toys and other materials considered relevant to the investigation were recovered during the operation.

The suspect is currently being detained by the police as investigators work to establish the circumstances surrounding the alleged abuse and determine whether other persons were involved.

The police also disclosed that the suspect’s husband was being questioned as part of the investigation to determine whether he had any connection with the alleged offence.

The Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, expressed concern over the allegation, describing the reported exploitation and abuse of children as unacceptable.

Ama emphasised the vulnerability of children and their inability to adequately protect themselves against abuse and exploitation.

He directed investigators to conduct a thorough and professional investigation and ordered that the rescued children receive appropriate care and protection.

The Command said its responsibility goes beyond investigating and prosecuting the alleged offence, stressing that the safety, dignity and wellbeing of the rescued children remain its priority.

It added that it would collaborate with relevant child-protection agencies and support organisations to ensure that the children receive appropriate care, protection, counselling and other assistance necessary for their recovery.

The police further assured that the identities and privacy of the children would be protected throughout the investigation and any subsequent legal proceedings.

According to the Command, the children would be treated with compassion and sensitivity because of the nature of the allegations.

The Anambra police commended vigilante operatives, bloggers and residents whose information contributed to the investigation and the eventual arrest of the suspect.

The Command urged members of the public to continue providing credible information that could assist security agencies in protecting children and preventing abuse and exploitation.

Crime News September 11, 2026 South Africa extradites 6 Nigerians to US over alleged romance scams

South African authorities have extradited six Nigerian men to the United States following allegations that they defrauded more than 100 American women through online romance schemes.

The suspects, who were arrested in South Africa in 2021, are also alleged to have links with the Black Axe organised criminal network.

The South African Police Service disclosed the development in a post on X on Friday, saying its Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, popularly known as the Hawks, worked with INTERPOL South Africa to facilitate the extradition.

“The Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), commonly known as the #Hawks, in collaboration with #INTERPOL South Africa, will today facilitate the extradition of six Nigerian nationals to the United States of America,” SAPS said.

The police said the suspects were wanted in the US in connection with allegations of wire fraud and money laundering.

According to SAPS, the men were accused of “allegedly defrauding them of more than R100 million through online romance/love scams.”

The Hawks said the suspects were transferred to United States authorities at Cape Town International Airport on Friday.

Officials of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Secret Service took custody of the suspects following their handover, according to the authorities.

Hawks spokesperson, Colonel Katlego Mogale, was quoted by Eye Witness News as saying the extradition process involved moving the suspects from a correctional facility in Cape Town to the airport for their transfer to the American agencies.

“Through the coordination of INTERPOL South Africa, the six will today be transported from a correctional facility in Cape Town to Cape Town International Airport, where they will be handed over to officials from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the United States Secret Service.”

Mogale said the development underscored the growing collaboration among law enforcement agencies in different countries to tackle organised criminal activities that cross national borders.

“This extradition demonstrates the continued cooperation between South African law enforcement agencies and international law enforcement partners in disrupting transnational organised crime and ensuring that suspects wanted in other jurisdictions face due legal process,” he said.

News Politics September 11, 2026 Titi Abubakar : People suffering under Tinubu, says Nigerians will ask for Atiku’s second term

The wife of the African Democratic Congress presidential candidate, Titi Abubakar, has urged Nigerian youths to support her husband’s bid for the presidency in the 2027 election.

Titi made the appeal on Thursday in Abuja at an ADC All Support Groups Town Hall Meeting, where she called on young Nigerians to take an active role in shaping the country’s political future.

She said although Atiku Abubakar had pledged to serve only one term if elected, his performance could make Nigerians demand that he remain in office for a second term.

“By the grace of God, when Atiku comes to this saddle, people will yearn that Atiku should continue and do a second term”.

According to her, the first term could also be used to groom Atiku’s deputy for eventual succession.

“By then, he would have tutored his deputy; maybe the deputy will take over from him,” she said.

Titi described Atiku as an experienced politician and philanthropist, insisting that the former vice president would not need to learn the responsibilities of governance if elected.

“Atiku is a sellable material. That is why I am so proud of my husband. Atiku is a philanthropist. Atiku has done it before. Atiku is not going to learn on the job. And Atiku is not a novice,” she said.

She further said Atiku’s interest in becoming president was driven by a desire to improve the welfare of Nigerians rather than personal enrichment.

“Atiku is a man of honour, a man of his word. Atiku is not coming to chop government money. Atiku wants to give back to you people. Atiku wants you people to know what it is all about the government,” she said.

Titi said youths would be central to the ADC’s campaign, describing them as the party’s “foot soldiers” in the 2027 contest.

She also disclosed that Atiku had promised to reserve 40 per cent of government appointments for youths and women if elected.

The ADC campaign, she said, would require young supporters to mobilise voters at the grassroots and ensure that votes cast for the party were protected at polling units.

Titi equally cautioned voters against accepting financial inducements from politicians in exchange for their votes, warning that such actions could undermine the future of younger generations.

“ADC doesn’t have that money to give you. Don’t be a sellout. Because these people, they have all our money in their kitties.

“Don’t allow them to come and give you money and you sell your conscience. If you sell your vote, you are selling the vote of your generation yet unborn”, she said.

The ADC chieftain also criticised the state of governance and the economy under the present administration, alleging that the constitution and rule of law had been weakened.

“Now, today, we have no constitution. We have no rule of law. Nothing is working. Our economy is in shambles,” she said.

She also questioned the country’s budgeting process and expressed concern over the hardship confronting Nigerians.

“Right from 2023 up to date, there is no budget in Nigeria. And I wonder how people are living. I wonder how people are eating,” she said.

Titi said Atiku would seek to restore confidence in government and address what she described as the country’s deteriorating condition.

“Atiku wants to put things right. We want to be like other nations, but here and now we don’t have anything at all. We are not proud of ourselves,” she added.

Her comments came against the backdrop of increased political activities ahead of the 2027 presidential election, with spouses of prominent political figures also becoming more visible in campaign-related engagements.

Earlier in the week, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu had appealed to voters in the South-East to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid.

She made the appeal during an official engagement in Owerri, Imo State, where she distributed empowerment materials to women and said she wanted to “enjoy Nigeria at old age” while continuing to contribute to the country.

The ADC town hall, themed ‘Together We Can Build the Nigeria We Desire,’ centred on grassroots mobilisation, polling-unit coordination, vote protection and increased participation of youths, women and support groups in the party’s preparations for the 2027 election.

News September 11, 2026 Fire breaks out at Abuja-Kaduna train station

A fire outbreak was recorded at the Idu train station of the Nigerian Railway Corporation in Abuja on Wednesday evening, following an electrical fault in the facility’s low-voltage room.

The incident, which occurred at about 8:30 p.m. on September 9, was contained by maintenance personnel before it could cause major damage, according to the NRC.

The corporation’s Chief Public Relations Officer, Callistus Unyimadu, disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday.

“The incident, noticed at about 8.30 p.m. on Sept. 9, was promptly brought under control by maintenance personnel.

“Preliminary inspection showed that some electrical supply cables connected to the control panels were damaged.

“The corporation confirms that the alternative (solar) power system was not affected,” he said.

Unyimadu explained that temporary power had been restored to the station’s lifts and escalators, with five of the six facilities currently functioning.

He stressed that the incident did not disrupt the Abuja-Kaduna Train Service, assuring passengers that scheduled operations would proceed without interruption.

“The technical team is conducting further assessment to determine the cause of the fault and permanently restore the affected installations.

“The Abuja Electricity Distribution Company has also been informed for necessary technical support and intervention,” he said.

The NRC said further technical checks were ongoing to establish the exact cause of the electrical fault and ensure full restoration of the affected installations.

News Politics September 11, 2026 Why 2027 will be easier for Obi than 2023 – Aisha Yesufu

A member of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Aisha Yesufu, has said Peter Obi will find the 2027 presidential election less challenging than the 2023 contest.

Yesufu, who spoke on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday, attributed her optimism to the groundwork already laid by Obi’s supporters during the 2023 election.

Obi contested the 2023 presidential election on the platform of the Labour Party and secured 6.1 million votes, placing third behind the Peoples Democratic Party candidate, Atiku Abubakar, who polled 6.9 million votes, and the eventual winner, President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress, who obtained 8.7 million votes.

According to Yesufu, the movement popularly known as the Obidients had to build its support base from scratch in 2023, but the situation has changed with Obi now having greater visibility across the country.

“2027 is even easier than 2023. 2023 you know you had to put in all that work, ‘let start it and see.’ By the time we had the former governor of Edo State, he really helped us without knowing he helped us by refusing to allow us to have all those halls and everything and Edo people coming out to say, ‘hey we are doing this.’

“That was when we had that shift when people saw that this is possible, a new Nigeria is possible. But right now, everybody has seen it, Mr Peter Obi all over the country,” Yesufu said.

She also identified the reported political alliance between Obi’s supporters and the Kwankwasiyya movement as another factor that could boost the NDC’s prospects in 2027.

“We have this alliance that has come between the Obidients and the Kwankwasiyya and you are seeing Mr Peter Obi’s running mate Engr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso bringing in a whole lot into the union.”

Yesufu further linked the 2027 political contest to the economic difficulties confronting Nigerians, arguing that hardship could become an important factor in determining how voters exercise their franchise.

She said Nigerians were increasingly concerned about the impact of economic conditions on their daily lives and suggested that religious considerations, including the Muslim-Muslim ticket, would become less influential when voters are confronted with economic hardship.

The NDC presidential candidate recently attracted attention after his convoy was stopped by youths in Benue State while he was travelling on the Gboko-Makurdi road to Yelwata, where he was scheduled to visit communities and families affected by recent violence.

The incident generated reactions, with some arguing that Obi should have continued with the planned visit despite the obstruction.

Yesufu, however, defended the decision to discontinue the journey, describing it as a strategic move rather than an indication that Obi was afraid.

She went further to describe Obi as the most courageous politician in the country, citing his previous visits to areas affected by insecurity.

“I have said this many times, there is no politician in Nigeria that is as courageous as Mr Peter Gregory Obi. That same Yelwata that he was going to, Mr Bola Ahmed Tinubu did not go there the last time if I am not mistaken, where he said the road or whatever was bad.

“He went to Jos, that is someone who is supposedly called the Commander in Chief, he couldn’t even enter Jos. Mr Peter Obi has been to Benue before, this time he was going to that same Yelwata but you need to understand something, there is a place where someone has to be strategic. You have a lot of things to do, so if you are fighting people who don’t have work, it doesn’t make any sense at that moment,” Yesufu added.