Jirgin Sojin Najeriya Dauke da Mutane 32 Ya Yi Hatsari a jihar Ondo.

Jirgin saman sojin Najeriya dauke da mutane 32 ya yi hatsari a jihar Ondo, yayin da ake ci gaba da gudanar da aikin ceto da neman wadanda ke cikin jirgin.

Ministan Sufurin Jiragen Sama da Kula da Sararin Samaniya, Festus Keyamo, ne ya tabbatar da faruwar hatsarin a ranar Litinin.

Rahotanni sun ce jirgin mai lambar wutsiya NGR 931 yana kan hanyarsa ne daga Benin zuwa Legas domin gudanar da wani aikin yau da kullum, kafin daga bisani aka rasa tuntuba da shi da misalin karfe 9:13 na safe.

Daga bisani an gano tarkacen jirgin a kusa da sansanin sojojin ruwa da ke Igbokoda, jihar Ondo.

A cewar Keyamo, bayanan farko sun nuna cewa mutane 32 ne ke cikin jirgin, wadanda suka hada da fasinjoji 25 da ma'aikatan jirgin 7.

Har yanzu ba a bayyana adadin wadanda suka mutu ko suka jikkata ba, yayin da jami'an ceto ke ci gaba da gudanar da aikin neman wadanda ke cikin jirgin.

Ministan ya ce ya tattauna da Babban Hafsan Sojin Sama, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, tare da tabbatar da cewa ma'aikatar za ta bayar da cikakken hadin kai da taimako wajen gudanar da aikin ceto.

Ana sa ran hukumomin za su fitar da karin bayani yayin da ake ci gaba da aikin ceto da bincike kan hatsarin.

Portugal Loses 1.4m Instagram Followers Amid Ronaldo-Jesus Rift

Portugal’s national football team has reportedly lost more than 1.4 million Instagram followers within 24 hours amid the controversy involving captain Cristiano Ronaldo and head coach Jorge Jesus.

A check of the team’s official Instagram account showed that its followers dropped from about 24.9 million to 23.5 million.

The decline came shortly after Ronaldo left Portugal’s training camp in Denmark following a reported disagreement with Jesus.

Ronaldo reportedly departed the camp on Wednesday after speaking with Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proença. He later confirmed his departure in an Instagram post, saying he would explain his reasons “in due time.”

The development followed Jesus’ decision to leave Ronaldo out of the starting lineup. Reports said the disagreement escalated after the coach publicly addressed the situation.

Ronaldo’s departure has since sparked widespread debate over his future with the Portuguese national team.

Portuguese media also reported a significant drop in the team’s social media following. A Bola reported that more than 300,000 followers were lost in less than 24 hours, while broadcaster Renascença, citing HypeAuditor data, reported a decline of more than 370,000 followers.

Some comments cited by A Bola and Goal indicated that certain users followed Portugal’s national team mainly because of Ronaldo.

Despite the controversy, Ronaldo remains one of the most-followed individuals on Instagram, with his account having about 679 million followers as of Friday.

Tinubu Signs Bill Extending 2025 Budget Implementation to December 31

President Bola Tinubu has signed the Appropriation (Amendment) (No. 4) Bill, 2025, extending the implementation period of the 2025 federal budget from September 30, 2026, to December 31, 2026.

The amendment was passed by the Senate and the House of Representatives on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, before being transmitted to the President for assent.

According to a statement issued on Wednesday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, the extension will give Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) additional time to complete ongoing capital projects.

The statement said the extension would ensure that funds already appropriated are fully utilised without disrupting critical government programmes.

“The extension gives Ministries, Departments and Agencies more time to complete ongoing capital projects,” the statement said.

President Tinubu also commended the leadership and members of the National Assembly for their prompt consideration of the amendment.

He said the development demonstrated continued cooperation between the Executive and Legislative arms of government in the interest of the country.

The amendment therefore allows the Federal Government to continue implementing the 2025 budget until December 31, 2026, instead of the earlier September 30 deadline.

Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland Leaders Demand Right to Self-Determination

Leaders of nationalist parties in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have united in calling for the right of their people to determine their political future.

The leaders of the Scottish National Party (SNP), Plaid Cymru and Sinn Féin signed a joint agreement during a meeting in Cardiff, Wales, on Monday.

They declared that their nations have the right to self-determination and argued that the Westminster government should not prevent them from deciding their future.

“For the first time ever, people across these islands have first ministers in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland who are committed to independence from the United Kingdom,” the agreement stated.

The three parties support greater autonomy and, ultimately, independence or constitutional change, although they differ over the timing and process for achieving their goals.

Scotland held an independence referendum in 2014, with 55 percent voting to remain in the UK. Wales currently has no legal power to hold an independence referendum without Westminster’s approval.

Northern Ireland has a different arrangement under the 1998 Good Friday Agreement, which requires the British government to call a referendum on Irish reunification if it believes a majority is likely to support it.

The meeting comes amid renewed debate over the future of the United Kingdom. Recent opinion polls indicate varying levels of support for independence in Scotland and Wales, while some support Irish reunification in Northern Ireland.

The leaders also agreed to cooperate on issues including renewable energy, economic development and relations with Europe.

Troops Rescue 23 Kidnap Victims, Arrest Four Suspected Lakurawa Members in Sokoto

Troops of Sector 2, Joint Task Force North-West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have rescued 23 kidnapped civilians and arrested four suspected members of the Lakurawa terrorist group in separate operations across Sokoto State.

The operations, conducted on Sunday, September 20, 2026, also foiled attempted terrorist attacks and led to the recovery of six cattle allegedly rustled by terrorists.

In Wurno Local Government Area, troops responded to an attack on Sabon Gari after armed men invaded the community and opened fire, forcing residents to flee. The soldiers engaged the attackers and forced them to withdraw, rescuing six kidnapped victims. A civilian who sustained a gunshot wound was also evacuated to a medical facility.

In Sabon Birni Local Government Area, troops acting on intelligence foiled an attempted terrorist movement along the Sabon Birni–Taketsaba Road near Chabe Biyu. The troops ambushed the suspected route and engaged the terrorists, forcing them to flee.

Similarly, troops responding to a distress call along the Isa–Kwanar Isa–Shinkafi Road in Isa LGA engaged terrorists and forced them to retreat. A subsequent search of the area resulted in the rescue of 17 kidnapped civilians, bringing the total number of rescued victims to 23.

One of the rescued victims, who suffered a fracture, was taken to General Hospital, Isa, for medical treatment.

Meanwhile, in Illela Local Government Area, troops conducted an intelligence-led operation after receiving information that suspected Lakurawa members were moving a herd of allegedly stolen cattle from Sarma Village towards Illela.

The troops established a checkpoint along the suspected route and intercepted the movement, arresting four suspected members of the group and recovering six cattle.

The suspects and recovered livestock were taken into military custody for further investigation, while efforts continued to apprehend other suspects who escaped.

Military spokesman, Lieutenant Colonel Aliyu Danja, said the operations demonstrated the troops’ readiness to act swiftly on intelligence and prevent terrorist attacks.

He added that the latest successes reflected the military’s sustained efforts to disrupt terrorist activities, rescue kidnapped civilians and restrict the movement of criminal elements across the North-West.

The military said troops would continue offensive and intelligence-led operations to maintain pressure on terrorist groups and protect communities within their area of responsibility.

Shettima to Lead Nigeria’s Delegation to 81st UN General Assembly

Vice President Kashim Shettima will lead Nigeria’s delegation to the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, United States, on behalf of President Bola Tinubu.

The delegation will include Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal, federal ministers and other senior government officials.

The UNGA General Debate is scheduled for September 22–28, 2026, under the theme: “Restoring trust, managing transformation: A United Nations that delivers for all.”

Shettima is expected to deliver Nigeria’s national statement, outlining the country’s positions and priorities on issues including national development, peace and security, economic growth and international cooperation.

He is also expected to participate in high-level meetings focusing on the Right to Development, climate action and other issues of strategic importance to Nigeria and Africa.

During the UNGA week, the Vice President will attend the traditional reception for heads of delegation and hold bilateral meetings with foreign leaders, international organisations and development partners.

According to the report, the engagements are expected to support Nigeria’s economic diplomacy, strengthen strategic partnerships and promote the country’s position on global financial reforms, sustainable development, climate finance and multilateral cooperation.

Shettima will return to Nigeria after concluding his engagements in New York.

Tinubu Insists Nigerians Will See Lower Transport Fares From October 1

President Bola Tinubu has urged state governments to ensure that savings from cheaper Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered transportation are reflected in lower fares for Nigerians from October 1.

Tinubu made the call in a statement on Saturday while providing an update on the National Affordable CNG Transit Programme, established following his August 27 meeting with the 36 state governors.

He said the objective agreed with the governors was to ensure that more Nigerians begin to experience measurable reductions in transportation costs from October 1.

“I encourage every state to maintain the momentum towards October 1. Work with transport unions and commercial operators. Support conversion and fleet deployment.

“Facilitate the infrastructure required. Above all, ensure that savings from cheaper energy reach Nigerian citizens through lower fares,” he said.

The President said several states were already recording reductions in transport fares through CNG-powered and electric buses.

In Borno State, he said CNG-powered and electric public transport services carry passengers for between ₦50 and ₦100 on routes where commercial operators charge between ₦300 and ₦600.

In Kaduna, Tinubu said 100 CNG-powered buses had provided free transportation on major routes, carrying about 3.2 million passengers during their first year and saving commuters more than ₦3.5 billion.

He also said CNG buses deployed to Pacesetter Transport in Oyo State reduced the Lagos-Ibadan fare from about ₦8,000 to ₦3,200 during the initial deployment.

According to him, alternative-energy transport services in Adamawa reduced fares by as much as 50 per cent, from ₦8,000 to ₦4,000, while 100 CNG buses in Enugu reduced the Enugu-Nsukka fare from ₦2,500 to ₦1,500.

In Plateau State, government-supported buses reportedly carry about 13,000 commuters daily for ₦200, compared with more than ₦500 charged by commercial operators.

Tinubu also cited CNG-converted commercial vehicles operating on several Abuja routes through a partnership with the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), saying passengers were benefiting from a 40 per cent fare reduction.

He said fares from Area 1 to Gwagwalada had dropped from ₦1,500 to ₦900, Nyanya from ₦700 to ₦420, and Wuse from ₦400 to ₦240.

The President added that passengers on the Suleja-Abuja route in Niger State were paying ₦550, compared with about ₦800, while Abia State had deployed 40 electric buses with fares subsidised by 50 per cent.

“These are not projections. Nigerians are already experiencing these savings,” Tinubu said.

He said the Federal Government would continue supporting states in expanding the programme, noting that disruptions to global energy supplies were putting pressure on petrol and diesel prices and consequently increasing transportation costs.

Tinubu said Nigeria had converted more than 120,000 vehicles to CNG over the past three years, with more than 400 certified conversion centres and over 90 CNG refuelling stations now operating across the country.

He also highlighted CNG developments in Edo, Kano, Delta, Kwara, Lagos and Akwa Ibom.

According to him, Edo has 50 CNG buses in active service, while Kano has converted more than 1,000 commercial vehicles. Delta, Kwara and Lagos are expanding CNG-supported transport services, while Akwa Ibom has received 50 CNG buses ahead of commercial operations.

Tinubu said the Federal Government would continue to support CNG infrastructure, vehicle conversion capacity and participation by transport operators, manufacturers and private investors.

He added that Nigeria should accelerate the development of alternative energy for transportation rather than return to the previous petrol subsidy system.

“Nigeria has the gas. We are building the infrastructure. We are already seeing the savings. Now we must move faster and scale this so more Nigerians feel those savings in the fares they pay every day,” he said.

yria: 11 Soldiers Killed in Explosion at Military Site in Deir Az Zor

Eleven Syrian soldiers have been killed and nine others injured in an explosion at a military site in Ayyash, in the western part of Deir Az Zor province, Syria’s Ministry of Defence said.

The explosion occurred on Friday at a weapons storage facility inside a Syrian Arab Army position, according to the official Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA), which cited the Defence Ministry.

The cause of the blast has not yet been established, and authorities said an investigation is underway.

The Syrian military held a funeral procession on Saturday for the soldiers killed in the incident. Footage broadcast by state television showed mourners gathering outside the National Hospital in Deir Az Zor, where the bodies, wrapped in Syrian flags, were carried during the ceremony.

State broadcaster Al Ikhbariya reported that the soldiers were killed while transporting heavy ammunition at the military site.

The incident is the second deadly explosion at a Syrian military site in less than two weeks.

On September 9, an explosion at a temporary weapons and war-remnants depot in Sarmada, in northwestern Idlib province, killed 14 soldiers and injured more than 10 people, including civilians. The Defence Ministry said the facility was being used to collect weapons and ammunition left over from Syria’s more than decade-long civil war before their transfer under standard procedures.

Earlier, on September 1, a vehicle carrying ammunition exploded in Binnish, also in Idlib province, killing five people and injuring several others.

Explosions involving weapons and abandoned munitions have become increasingly frequent in Syria as authorities work to clear large stockpiles left behind by years of conflict.

NOA Urges Calm as Petrol Prices Fluctuate

The National Orientation Agency (NOA), Kebbi State Directorate, has urged Nigerians, particularly residents of Kebbi State, to remain calm over fluctuations in the retail price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol.

The agency also appealed to residents to give the Federal and Kebbi State governments time to implement various measures aimed at reducing the impact of rising living costs.

The NOA Director in Kebbi, Muhammed Nasir-Karofi, made the appeal in a statement released to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Birnin Kebbi on Monday.

Nasir-Karofi said the recent changes in petrol prices were largely driven by movements in international crude oil prices, foreign exchange rates, supply conditions and market replacement costs.

He explained that under the deregulated petroleum downstream sector, domestic petrol prices could change in response to global market conditions.

According to him, other West African countries, including Benin, Niger, Togo and Cameroon, are also facing similar price adjustments and inflationary pressures.

He acknowledged that the reforms were creating immediate economic difficulties for households and small businesses but said the government considered them necessary to improve the country’s financial position.

He said the removal of unsustainable fuel subsidies would reduce pressure on government finances and allow more funds to be directed towards infrastructure, security, education and social welfare.

The NOA director also highlighted several measures being implemented by the Kebbi State Government to cushion the effects of the economic situation. These include public transport support, the upgrading of the Birnin Kebbi Central Motor Park, healthcare improvements, agricultural support and empowerment programmes.

He added that the state government was strengthening security operations to protect lives, property and farmlands across the state.

Nasir-Karofi said the Federal Government was also pursuing long-term reforms, including improvements in tertiary education funding through the Student Loan Scheme, stronger national security infrastructure and economic diversification.

He urged community leaders, civil society organisations, youth groups and residents to remain patient, support government initiatives and maintain confidence as the reforms take effect.

VAR Referee Dropped After Controversial Manchester Derby Decision

Video assistant referee Matt Donohue has been removed from officiating duties following a controversial decision during Sunday’s Manchester derby between Manchester United and Manchester City.

Donohue and assistant VAR Blake Antrobus were not included in the referee appointments for this week’s Premier League matches after officials acknowledged an error in the game.

The controversy centred on Erling Haaland’s goal, which was allowed to stand despite an apparent offside involving Enzo Fernandez. The Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) later admitted that the VAR should have recommended an on-field review.

PGMOL chief Howard Webb reportedly contacted Donohue shortly after the final whistle to seek an explanation. The referees’ body subsequently issued a public clarification, acknowledging the mistake and confirming that Manchester United had been contacted.

Officials described the incident as human error but said decisive action was necessary. Donohue and Antrobus are expected to remain out of officiating duties until at least October 11, after the international break.

The referees’ committee said a comprehensive review would be conducted, with recommendations expected to help prevent similar incidents in the future.

How Father, Son Were Arrested Over ₦150,000 Electricity Cable Theft in Osun

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Osun State has arrested a 60-year-old farmer, Taliatu Olunlade, his 25-year-old son, Wasiu, and his 22-year-old nephew, Ganiyu Ayomide, over the alleged theft of electricity cables in Agbona village near Iwo.

The suspects were paraded on Monday at the NSCDC state command headquarters in Osogbo.

The Osun State NSCDC Commandant, Toma Enya, said preliminary investigations revealed that the cables were temporarily removed in November 2025 due to road construction in the community.

According to him, the cables were removed by the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company in collaboration with community leaders and kept near Olunlade’s residence for safekeeping.

Enya said the cables subsequently started disappearing gradually, prompting an investigation that led to the arrest of the three suspects.

He alleged that the suspects removed the cables in stages and sold them to a scrap dealer identified as Aminu, popularly known as “Bollar,” who is currently at large.

The suspects reportedly confessed to selling the stolen cables to Aminu on two occasions for a total of ₦150,000.

Olunlade, while speaking with journalists, admitted his involvement and appealed for leniency.

He said he introduced the idea of stealing the cables to his son and nephew, adding that they carried out the operation about three times and shared ₦50,000 from each sale.

The NSCDC commandant warned individuals involved in the vandalism or theft of critical national infrastructure to desist, stressing that anyone caught would face the law.

He added that efforts were ongoing to arrest the alleged scrap dealer, Aminu.

The suspects are expected to be charged to court after the completion of investigations.

Court Adjourns Suit Challenging Mark, Aregbesola’s ADC Leadership

The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned until September 28, 2026, a suit seeking to stop former Senate President David Mark, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola and other members of the interim leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) from parading themselves as leaders of the party.

The case, filed by an aggrieved ADC member, Nafiu-Bala Gombe, was scheduled for hearing on Monday, September 14, but could not proceed because the presiding judge, Justice Peter Lifu, did not sit.

The court subsequently fixed September 28 for the hearing of all pending applications.

Gombe is asking the court to restrain Mark, Aregbesola and members of their interim National Working Committee (NWC) from acting as leaders of the ADC.

He argued that their emergence violated provisions of the ADC constitution and the Electoral Act.

The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1819/2025, lists the ADC, David Mark, Rauf Aregbesola, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and former ADC National Chairman Ralph Nwosu as defendants.

Earlier, Justice Lifu dismissed applications by the ADC and Aregbesola seeking his withdrawal from the case over alleged bias.

The judge ruled that the applications lacked merit and ordered both the ADC and Aregbesola to pay N1 million each to Gombe.

The court is expected to hear all pending applications when the matter resumes on September 28.

INEC Releases Final List of 18 Presidential Candidates for 2027 Election

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has released the final list of 18 presidential candidates and their running mates for the 2027 general election.

The list, signed by the Commission’s Secretary, Rose Oriaran-Anthony, was released in Abuja on Saturday.

According to the list, 18 political parties are fielding candidates for the presidential election. Sixteen of the presidential candidates are male, while two are female.

The candidates include President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Atiku Abubakar of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Peter Obi of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), Adewole Adebayo of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), and Oluseyi Makinde of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM).

Other candidates are Donald Duke of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), Sunday Chibuzo Okereke of the Labour Party (LP), Omoyele Sowore of the African Action Congress (AAC), Sandy Ojang Onor of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Rufai Adekunle Omo-Aje of the Action Alliance (AA), and Aliyu Abbas-Bin of the Action Democratic Party (ADP).

The remaining candidates are Kabiru Yusuf of the Allied Peoples Party (APP), Sunday Adenuga of the Boot Party (BP), Moses Olusoji Adebisi of the Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA), Nkem Esther Okereke of the National Rescue Movement (NRM), Daniel Daberechukwu Nwanyanwu of the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP), and Peter Ada Agada of the Young Progressive Party (YPP).

Ada Elizabeth Fredrick Okwori of the National Democratic Party (NDP) and Nkem Esther Okereke of the NRM were listed as the two female presidential candidates.

INEC also listed 14 male and four female vice-presidential candidates.

Full List of Presidential Candidates and Running Mates

1. APC: Bola Tinubu / Kashim Shettima

2. ADC: Atiku Abubakar / Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi

3. NDC: Peter Gregory Obi / Musa Mohammed Rabiu Kwankwaso

4. LP: Sunday Chibuzo Okereke / Hajja Bintu Konto

5. PDP: Sandy Ojang Onor / Umaru Babangida

6. AA: Rufai Adekunle Omo-Aje / Shehu Hussaini

7. ADP: Aliyu Abbas-Bin / Chinazam Ike

8. APP: Kabiru Yusuf / Peace Egobia Ofordile

9. AAC: Omoyele Sowore / Haruna Garba Magashi

10. APM: Oluseyi Abiodun Makinde / Musa Lawal Daura

11. BP: Sunday Adenuga / Usman Turaki Mustapha

12. DLA: Moses Olusoji Adebisi / Nafisat Usaku Abubakar

13. NDP: Ada Elizabeth Fredrick Okwori / Uchenna Anthony Chukwuemeka

14. NRM: Nkem Esther Okereke / Nasir Muhammed Sulaiman

15. PRP: Donald Duke / Kabiru Rabiu

16. SDP: Adewole Ebenezer Adebayo / Usman Muhammed Bugaje

17. YPP: Peter Ada Agada / Patience Ndidi Key

18. ZLP: Daniel Daberechukwu Nwanyanwu / Hassan Khalid

The electoral commission also released the final lists of candidates contesting the Senate and House of Representatives elections.