National News March 13, 2026 Tinubu gives appointment to GTB co-founder, Adeola

 

President Bola Tinubu has constituted a Presidential Petroleum Reform and Value Optimisation Taskforce to coordinate and design the next stage of structural reforms in Nigeria’s petroleum industry.

Mr Fola Adeola, co-founder of Guaranty Trust Bank and founder/chairman of the Fate Foundation, has been appointed chairman of the taskforce.

In a statement issued on Friday, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said the taskforce would function as a time-bound, high-level executive working group mandated to produce execution-ready reform blueprints.

Other members of the taskforce include Ademola Adeyemi-Bero, Osagie Okunbor, Abubakar Suleiman, Adaeze Aguele, Farouk Gumel, Phillipa Osakwe-Okoye, and Seyi Bella, while Mofoluwasho Fadayomi will serve as secretary.

According to the statement, the taskforce is expected to harmonise existing reforms, unlock capital within the petroleum sector, and reinforce Nigeria’s standing as a leading global destination for energy investment.

“The initiative reflects the President’s commitment to transforming Nigeria’s petroleum industry into a more competitive, transparent, and value-maximising sector capable of driving long-term economic growth, macroeconomic resilience, and industrial development,” it read.

The statement noted that the body would operate strictly as a technical reform group rather than a representative committee. It will consult industry operators, regulators, investors and civil society stakeholders while concentrating on practical policy design and implementation strategies.

The taskforce will report directly to the President and submit monthly progress memoranda. An interim report is expected within three months, while the final outputs are to be delivered within six months of its inauguration.

Tinubu has also mandated the team to produce three key reform blueprints.

The first is the Implementation Toolkit for Immediate Structural Fixes, which will include draft legislative amendments, executive instruments, and proposals for institutional restructuring.

The second deliverable is the Capital & Liquidity Acceleration Blueprint, aimed at unlocking between $5bn and $10bn in sectoral liquidity while protecting Nigeria’s sovereign interests.

The third blueprint will centre on the National Energy Transformation Strategy, a 10-year roadmap with measurable targets covering production levels, foreign exchange earnings, GDP contribution and cost competitiveness.

Tinubu has further directed all Ministries, Departments and Agencies, regulators and other relevant institutions to provide full technical support to the taskforce. They are also required to submit inventories of ongoing initiatives to ensure alignment with the emerging reform framework.

The President equally instructed all existing committees, teams and working groups created under different petroleum reform initiatives to align their operations, reporting channels and programmes with the new taskforce.

“The streamlining will ensure coordination, avoid duplication of mandates, and provide institutional clarity, thereby ensuring coherence in the petroleum sector reform architecture,” the statement noted.

He also directed that all relevant documentation, institutional knowledge and ongoing workstreams be made available to the taskforce to aid the development and implementation of a comprehensive reform framework.

Onanuga described the establishment of the taskforce as “a strategic presidential instrument to accelerate petroleum sector reforms, strengthen governance architecture, optimise national energy assets, and position Nigeria’s petroleum resources as a foundation for sustainable economic transformation.”

The taskforce will be automatically dissolved once it submits its final report and the recommendations are accepted.

Adeola, a chartered accountant and entrepreneur, co-founded Guaranty Trust Bank in 1990 and served as its pioneer managing director until 2002. He later established the Fate Foundation in 2000 to promote entrepreneurship and wealth creation in Nigeria.

Nigeria’s petroleum sector has undergone several reforms under the Tinubu administration, including the removal of petrol subsidy, the unification of foreign exchange windows and initiatives aimed at boosting crude oil output from one million barrels per day to 1.5 million barrels per day.

Crime News March 13, 2026 Bandits invade Birnin Kebbi community, kill businessman, kidnap pregnant wife

 

Bandits have attacked the Badariya area of Birnin Kebbi metropolis in Kebbi State, killing a businessman, Sufiyanu Garba, and abducting his pregnant wife.

Shehu Mohammed Yauri, an elder brother of the abducted woman, said the assailants broke into the residence in the early hours of Friday, shot Sufiyanu dead and whisked away his wife, Zainab, to an unknown destination.

Yauri said Zainab, who is pregnant, was taken away by the attackers after they killed her husband.

The Public Relations Officer of the Kebbi State Police Command, Bashir Usman, confirmed the incident.

He said the attack resulted in the death of Sufiyanu, a 35 year old man, and the abduction of his wife.

Usman said police detectives had visited the scene and commenced investigation into the incident.

“It was observed that a police checkpoint is situated close to where the incident occurred. Residents could have informed the police for prompt response,” he said.

He added that the victim was rushed to Sir Yahaya Memorial Hospital where a medical doctor confirmed him dead.

His remains had since been deposited at the hospital mortuary.

The police spokesman said the Commissioner of Police had directed the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) to take over the case and ensure a thorough investigation aimed at rescuing the abducted woman and bringing the perpetrators to justice.

News March 13, 2026 Nigerian gov pays March salaries ahead Sallah celebration

 

One of the governors in the country, Governor Ahmed Ododo of Kogi, has approved the payment of March salaries to civil servants ahead of the forthcoming Sallah celebration.

Mr Kingsley Fanwo, the state’s Commissioner for Information and Communications, disclosed this in a statement on Friday in Lokoja.

Fanwo noted that the early payment reflected the administration’s  commitment to prioritising the welfare of workers in the state.

He emphasised that the initiative was to ensure that members of the state’s workforce were adequately supported, especially during important religious festivities.

Fanwo assured that Ododo’s administration would continue to prioritise workers’ welfare, adding that the administration valued the dedication and service of the civil service.

“The Kogi State Government wishes all Muslim brothers and sisters a blessed Ramadan and a joyous Sallah celebration ahead, ” he said.

PlatinumPost reports that civil servants were elated and appreciated the government for  the early payment of salaries.

Mr Usman Adeiza, a civil servant said the salary would enable workers to prepare adequately for the Sallah celebration with their families.

“Kogi State workers appreciate the governor’s your thoughtfulness. This gesture will go a long way,” said Mr John Onoja, a staff of one of the ministries.,

Similarly, Sefinat Ibrahim, said: “Kogi State workers are the luckiest. Thanks to the governor for prioritising our welfare”.

News Politics March 13, 2026 Yari’s new political movement gathers nationwide support ahead of 2027 elections

 

Less than 48 hours after it was formally unveiled, the Renewed Network (TRN) is already drawing widespread political interest and grassroots mobilisation across the country, indicating what observers say could be the early development of a coordinated national political platform ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The initiative is being championed by former Zamfara State governor and Senator representing Zamfara West, Abdulaziz Yari. Shortly after the unveiling, the network’s national facilitators, Alhaji Mohammed Abubakar and Emmmanuel Osita, disclosed that thousands of Nigerians from different regions had begun signing up as members, while several political stakeholders quietly indicated interest in associating with the platform.

In a statement, the facilitators revealed that individuals linked to more than 30 state governors, as well as senior advisers and other influential political figures from across the country’s geopolitical zones, reportedly reached out to signal interest in the initiative soon after it was announced.

Political analysts note that the rapid response underscores the growing attention surrounding the movement, which many view as part of a broader political strategy aimed at consolidating nationwide backing for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of a potential re-election bid in the 2027 Nigerian general elections.

Facilitators of the platform insist that the Renewed Network was the outcome of months of consultations rather than a sudden development. According to them, the initiative emerged after extensive engagements led by Senator Yari with political stakeholders, grassroots leaders, youth organisations, women’s groups and former elected officials across the country.

The consultations, they said, highlighted a shared concern among several political actors regarding the importance of sustaining and strengthening the Renewed Hope Agenda associated with the Tinubu administration.

Insiders explained that those discussions eventually led to the decision to create a structured national platform that could mobilise grassroots support and coordinate political participation across the federation.

The network is said to include participation from political actors, community organisers, women leaders, youth organisations and former councillors drawn from Nigeria’s 774 local government areas.

Supporters of the initiative maintain that the movement is anchored on the belief that the country is gradually entering a phase of economic recovery and institutional reform under the leadership of President Tinubu.

They also note that the network aims to promote civic engagement, broaden political inclusion and encourage more Nigerians to participate actively in democratic processes.

Preparations are already ongoing for a major national launch of the Renewed Network. According to insiders, the event is expected to attract thousands of supporters, political stakeholders, youth leaders, women organisations and delegates from all 36 states as well as the Federal Capital Territory.

In the meantime, the group has called on Nigerians—particularly young people, women, community leaders and political stakeholders—to become part of what organisers describe as a rapidly expanding national movement.

With the level of early interest already recorded, observers say the Renewed Network could soon emerge as an influential political platform shaping national discourse as preparations toward the 2027 elections gradually gather pace.

Crime News March 13, 2026 Father arraigned for allegedly ‘fingeriπg’ 4-year-old daughter

 

The police in Lagos on Friday arraigned a 44-year-old trader, Ebere Ezeoha, before an Ikeja Chief Magistrates’ Court for allegedly defiling his four-year-old daughter with his finger.

Ezeoha, who lives in Ago Palace, Lagos, is facing a charge of defilement.

The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The prosecutor, ASP Adegoke Ademigbuji, told the court that the alleged offence occurred on Feb. 14 at the defendant’s residence.

He alleged that the child’s mother discovered the defendant inserting his finger into the child’s anus after hearing the girl crying.

Ademigbuji said the offence contravenes Section 135 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

Chief Magistrate Omolara Kushanu granted the defendant bail in the sum of N500,000 with two sureties in like sum.

She adjourned the case until April 9 for mention.

News March 13, 2026 Quds Day : Shi’ites rally for Palestine in Bauchi, vow support for Iran

 

Members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria, popularly known as the Shi’ite group, on Friday staged a demonstration in Bauchi to express solidarity with Palestine.

Speaking on behalf of the group, Ahmad Yashi said the rally formed part of activities marking Quds Day, which is observed globally on the last Friday of every Ramadan.

According to him, the demonstration was organised to show support for Palestinians, whom he said had faced invasion for several decades.

“This is a known demonstration held on the last Friday of every month of Ramadan worldwide under the Quds Day platform. It is to show support and sympathy for Palestinians who have been under invasion for about eight decades,” he said.

The group, which is loyal to Sheikh Ibrahim Zakzaky, made the statement while addressing journalists on the sidelines of the demonstration.

Yashi also noted that the group’s demonstrations had remained peaceful over the years, claiming that any breakdown of law and order recorded in the past was usually caused by authorities due to what he described as a misunderstanding of the group’s activities.

The Bauchi State chapter of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria further declared its support for Iran amid the ongoing tensions involving the United States and Israel, warning that eliminating Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, could aggravate the crisis.

Yashi said killing Iran’s Supreme Leader would not restore peace but would instead intensify the conflict.

“We are with Iran in heart and soul. They are targeting the Iranian Supreme Leader to make the country surrender, but they are mistaken. The Supreme Leader, as a religious authority, is among those dousing tensions,” he said.

He described Islam as a religion of peace but blamed Western countries for what he termed continued global unrest.

“Islam is a peaceful religion, but the West is the problem. They are selfish and want everyone to bow to them. This will not happen; those days are gone,” he added.

Yashi also revealed that members of the movement in Bauchi had earlier held a peaceful demonstration in solidarity with Iran.

“We conducted a peaceful demonstration in support of Iran, and every Muslim must take a side in this war. You are either with the righteous or with the oppressors,” he stated.

When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Bauchi State Police Command, Nafiu Habib, said the Commissioner of Police, Sani-Omolori Aliyu, had directed the deployment of officers to safeguard government facilities across the metropolis ahead of the demonstration.

He explained that security personnel monitored the protest to prevent any possible breakdown of law and order.

According to him, the demonstration ended peacefully without any reported incident.

“Until now, there is no report of any breakdown of law and order,” he added.

(PUNCH)

Crime News March 13, 2026 ISWAP terrorists flee as fighter jet appears during attack on Borno military base

 

Nigerian troops have repelled an attack by terrorists of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) on a military base in Banki, Bama Local Government Area of Borno state.

The attempted assault was thwarted with the support of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), who deployed fighter jet to support troops battling the terrorists.

According to Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency publication focused on the Lake Chad region, which cited security sources, the insurgents launched the attack in the early hours of Friday, advancing in large numbers in what appeared to be an attempt to overrun the military formation.

“The sources said the troops immediately engaged the terrorists in a fierce gun battle, effectively resisting the assault and preventing the insurgents from breaching the base.

“According to the sources, while the exchange of fire was ongoing, the Nigerian Air Force scrambled an aircraft to provide aerial support to the ground troops,” the publication reported.

Sources told Makama that on sighting the aircraft, “the terrorists took to their heels and were seen scampering in disarray into nearby bushes to escape the superior firepower of the troops and the air component”.

Makama reported that the attempted attack was successfully foiled, forcing the insurgents to abandon the operation.

In recent weeks, terrorist attacks have intensified in parts of the region, with military bases frequently targeted and some personnel killed.

On Monday, ISWAP fighters killed a commanding officer of the Nigerian Army during another attack on a military facility in Kukawa LGA of Borno state.

The following day, troops repelled another early-morning attack by suspected ISWAP fighters on a military base in the same area.