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Rivers Crisis: FG Sends 10,000 Security Operatives as Pipeline Attacks Escalate

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Rivers Crisis: FG Sends 10,000 Security Operatives as Pipeline Attacks Escalate

Federal Government Deploys 10,000 NSCDC Personnel to Protect Oil Pipelines in Niger Delta

In response to a series of explosions at oil installations in Rivers State, the Federal Government has deployed 10,000 personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to prevent further attacks on critical national infrastructure. The deployment follows blasts that occurred between Sunday and Tuesday, escalating concerns over pipeline vandalism and economic sabotage.

Confirming the deployment on Wednesday, NSCDC spokesperson, Afolabi Babawale, stated that the operatives were assigned to protect vital infrastructure, particularly in the Niger Delta region, where oil pipelines have been targeted.

“The NSCDC hereby warns against destruction and vandalism of critical national assets and infrastructure across the Niger Delta as over 10,000 operatives have been deployed to collaborate with other security agencies to provide adequate peace and security of lives and property,” Babawale said.

Political Crisis in Rivers State

The security reinforcement comes amid heightened political tensions in Rivers State following President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of emergency rule. In a national broadcast on Tuesday, Tinubu announced the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, and members of the State House of Assembly. In their place, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas (retd.) was appointed as the state’s sole administrator for an initial six-month period.

The emergency declaration followed a charged political atmosphere that saw three explosions in two days. The attacks were reportedly linked to threats from Ijaw groups opposing moves to impeach Fubara, with the groups vowing to disrupt oil production if the governor was removed from office.

On Monday, a faction of the Rivers State Assembly led by Martin Amaewhule, loyal to former governor Nyesom Wike, presented a notice listing 19 infractions allegedly committed by Fubara, paving the way for impeachment proceedings.

Before this notice was served, an explosion rocked the Trans Niger Pipeline (TNP) in Aluu, Ikwerre Local Government Area, on Sunday. Security agents recovered a corpse at the scene, and a suspect was arrested in connection with the blast.

Security Agencies Intensify Operations

A staff member of Pipeline Infrastructure Nigeria Limited (PINL), identified as Ebikeme, disclosed that covert operations led to the arrest of the suspect.

“On Sunday, the 16th of March 2025, there was a blast on the TNP Pipeline Right of Way in Aluu – Zone 5. A suspected vandal was found dead at the site from the effects of the blast. Upon further investigation, another suspected vandal was apprehended and is currently in police custody while further investigations continue,” Ebikeme said.

Speaking on the deployment of NSCDC personnel, Babawale reiterated that the agency remains committed to safeguarding critical assets and preventing economic sabotage.

“The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has a statutory mandate as the lead agency in the protection of critical national assets and infrastructure. Commands across the federation have been placed on red alert to forestall acts of vandalism and destruction of government utilities,” Babawale stated.

He emphasized that the NSCDC is collaborating with other security agencies to ensure the protection of lives and property in the region.

Military Presence Strengthens in Port Harcourt

Meanwhile, security presence has intensified in Port Harcourt, with more soldiers deployed to the Government House. Reports indicate that Governor Fubara vacated the premises on Wednesday, though his exact whereabouts remain unclear. It is uncertain whether he relocated to his private residence in Port Harcourt or returned to his hometown in Opobo.

Eyewitnesses confirmed seeing increased military activity, with three Armoured Personnel Carriers stationed at the entrance of the Government House. Strict security checks were also being conducted on individuals and vehicles entering the premises.

An aide to Fubara, speaking on condition of anonymity, claimed that soldiers were occupying the Government House.

“As I speak with you, more soldiers are entering the Government House. This afternoon, over 15 arrived, believed to be an advanced team of the Sole Administrator who is still expected to assume duties. This evening, more soldiers joined them,” the aide disclosed.

The political and security situation in Rivers State continues to develop as the Federal Government takes measures to restore stability and protect the country’s economic assets.

 

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Oyo 2027: G7 Honourables Endorse Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo

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Oyo 2027: G7 Honourables Endorse Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo By Ibrahim Kegbegbe

Oyo 2027: G7 Honourables Endorse Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo

By Ibrahim Kegbegbe

 

Support continues to grow for Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo following his decision to contest the Oyo Central Senatorial seat under the platform of Allied Peoples Movement ahead of the 2027 general elections, as the G7 Honourables within the party have publicly endorsed his aspiration.

 

The political support group, made up of prominent grassroots leaders within the APM, congratulated Ajadi on purchasing the party’s senatorial nomination form, describing the move as a significant step toward deepening democratic participation and broadening political alternatives in Oyo State.

 

In a statement jointly signed by the group’s Coordinating Leader, Honourable Kilamuwaye Badmus; Secretary, Honourable Funso Jide Adekunle; and Assistant Coordinator, Honourable Semiu Akingbala, alongside Honourables Fatai Adenaiya, Olaoluwa Akinsola Akinwande, Jeremiah Atele, and Biola Sanusi, the leaders declared Ajadi as the most credible candidate to represent the people of Oyo Central in the upper legislative chamber.

 

According to the group, Ajadi’s political journey, philanthropic interventions, and consistent engagement with communities across Oyo State have positioned him as a dependable leader whose emergence would bring responsive representation to the district.

 

They noted that his senatorial ambition is not merely a political contest but a mission driven by service, youth inclusion, and community development.

 

The G7 Honourables praised Ajadi’s record as a grassroots mobilizer and progressive politician, saying his long-standing commitment to empowerment programmes, educational support, and humanitarian outreach has earned him admiration among party members and ordinary residents alike.

 

“Ambassador Ajadi remains a symbol of hope for many young people and underserved communities in Oyo Central. His aspiration reflects the desire of the people for a leader who understands their challenges and is prepared to champion their interests at the National Assembly,” the statement read.

 

Ajadi, who recently declared his intention to contest the senate seat, has been gaining momentum within the APM, especially among youth groups and ward-level stakeholders who see his candidacy as an opportunity to strengthen the party’s presence in Oyo State politics.

 

Political observers say the Oyo Central contest may attract significant attention as parties begin early realignments ahead of the 2027 elections, with emerging aspirants already mobilizing support across the district.

 

The Merit Newspaper reports that the G7 Honourables reaffirmed their loyalty to Ajadi and pledged to intensify grassroots mobilization in all local government areas within Oyo Central to ensure his success at both the party primary and the general election.

 

They also called on party faithful and residents of the senatorial district to support what they described as a credible and people-oriented aspiration capable of bringing meaningful legislative impact.

Oyo 2027: G7 Honourables Endorse Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo

By Ibrahim Kegbegbe

Ajadi’s entrance into the race is expected to reshape political conversations in Oyo Central, particularly within the APM, as the build-up to the 2027 polls gathers momentum across Oyo State.

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APC Carnage: Political Titans Smashed In Ruthless Power Purge

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APC Leaders’ Meeting on Oluyole Primaries Misrepresented — Group*

​APC Carnage: Political Titans Smashed In Ruthless Power Purge

ABUJA – Severe institutional panic and an unprecedented bloodbath have hit the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) following a wave of crushing, humiliating defeats dealt to self-styled political godfathers, serving senators, and former governors in the party’s just-concluded internal primaries.

​Reportedly, the primaries turned into a fatal political graveyard for major party titans. Among the massive casualties are billionaire lawmaker and recent PDP-defector Senator Ned Nwoko; former Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege; Ogun State powerbroker Ibikunle Amosun; his structural rival Gbenga Daniel; and the embattled former Governor of Imo State, Rochas Okorocha.

APC Carnage: Political Titans Smashed In Ruthless Power Purge

Sources within the APC National Working Committee (NWC) revealed that the widespread slaughter of these “big wigs” was deliberately engineered by ruthless state executive coalitions and current governors. They weaponized the party’s direct primary and consensus model to completely liquidate old political empires ahead of the general elections.

​Delta North: Billionaire Ned Nwoko Left Stranded with Only 3 Votes

​Perhaps the most embarrassing and staggering defeat occurred in Delta North, where billionaire lawyer and luxury-loving politician Senator Ned Nwoko was thoroughly pulverized by the immediate past Governor of Delta State, Ifeanyi Okowa.

Nwoko, who caused a stir by dumping the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to secure a reelection ticket under the APC, learned the hard way that billionaire status means nothing against a ruthless state machinery. Okowa coasted to a landslide victory with 113,309 votes, leaving Nwoko biting the dust with a pathetic 2,612 total votes. In Ward 9 (Okpanam), Nwoko was reduced to a political lightweight, scoring an abysmal three votes against Okowa’s 4,462.

​Insiders allege that Nwoko’s political execution was sealed after he fell out with regional party stakeholders over the Okpai Independent Power Plant (IPP) stepdown project. “Ned thought his deep pockets and social media clout could save him. The APC structure simply swallowed him alive,” a Delta party chieftain claimed.

​Delta Central: Omo-Agege Tasted Betrayal as Subordinate Claims Ticket

Alvan Ikoku: Panel Indicts Okorocha Over Forceful Acquisition Of Land 

​The political slaughter in Delta State was not limited to Nwoko. In Delta Central, former Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege suffered an unexpected, devastating structural coup. Omo-Agege, widely seen as the alpha-male of Delta APC who risked his life to build the party’s local framework, was soundly beaten by his own political beneficiary, the incumbent Senator Ede Dafinone.

​Dafinone secured a staggering 116,252 votes, while Omo-Agege was left stranded with a meager 3,643 votes. Sources close to Omo-Agege allege a “macabre betrayal,” pointing out that state apparatus elements quietly aligned with Dafinone to strip the former DSP of his remaining structural leverage.

​The Ogun Bloodbath: Amosun Demolished By His Former Staff

​Over in the Southwest, the political bloodletting was equally severe. In Ogun Central, former Governor Ibikunle Amosun did not just lose; he was politically castrated by his former aide and political underling, Shuaib Afolabi.

CSOs Petition Senate, Accuse Gbenga Daniel Of Plot To Destabilize Ogun State

​Amosun, who for years ruled Ogun APC like a personal fiefdom, was completely rejected by delegates acting under strict executive directives from the state government. Afolabi “crushed” his former boss, signaling a brutal end to Amosun’s godfather ambitions in the senatorial district. Simultaneously, in Ogun East, former Governor Gbenga Daniel’s machinery disintegrated under intense pressure, proving his relevance has effectively hit ground zero.

Imo West: Rochas Okorocha’s Empire Reduced To Rubble

​In Imo State, Governor Hope Uzodinma completed his long-awaited project: the absolute political liquidation of former Governor Rochas Okorocha. Okorocha, whose past regime was defined by nepotism and bizarre monuments, was completely starved of delegates and structural lifelines.

 The state machinery was aggressively deployed to ensure Okorocha did not recover a single breathing slot, effectively turning him into a political nomad within the party he helped build.

The Implosion Warning: To complicate matters for the ruling party, these disgraced heavyweights are now legally cornered. Under the newly enacted Electoral Act 2026, any disgruntled politician who tries to jump ship to another party faces a strict two-year jail term or a N10 million fine for dual membership.

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Hon. Dolapo Badru Emerges As APC House of Reps Flagbearer For Lagos Island Federal Constituency 1 

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Hon. Dolapo Badru Emerges As APC House of Reps Flagbearer For Lagos Island Federal Constituency 1 

 

 

Hon. Dr. Dolapo Badru has emerged as the House of Representatives Flagbearer of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the primary election held on Saturday 16 May, 2026 on Lagos Island Federal Constituency 1.

 

This was confirmed from the list sighted by PM News.

 

Hon. Badru is renowned for offering

qualitative representation to the constituents and human capital development.

 

In his appreciation message, Hon. Badru reaffirmed his commitment to fulfilling his electoral promises.

 

The exercise was monitored by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The primary election was in accordance with the party’s constitution and the Electoral Act.

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