Author: James Obasi

Twenty Israeli hostages are expected to be freed from Gaza under the latest ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. They were abducted during the October 7, 2023, Hamas assault — the deadliest attack in Israel’s history. Below are profiles of those due for release: – Matan Angrest, 22 – A sergeant captured near the Gaza border while defending the Nahal Oz base. From Kiryat Bialik, he’s a devoted Maccabi Haifa fan. His family shared footage showing his abduction from his tank. He had planned to travel to Dubai after completing his service. – Gali and Ziv Berman, 28 – Twin brothers taken from Kfar Aza kibbutz’s youth area, which was set ablaze during the attack. The music producers supported Maccabi Tel Aviv and Liverpool FC. Their parents and elder brother survived. – Elkana Bohbot, 36 – Producer of the Supernova music festival, abducted alongside friends Michael and Osher Waknin. Married to a Colombian woman and father of one, he was granted Colombian nationality posthumously. His family last saw him in a Hamas video looking weak. – Rom Braslavski, 21 – An Israeli-German security guard at the Supernova festival. He stayed to help others before being taken. Hamas released a video of him months later, appearing frail. – Nimrod Cohen, 21 – Captured near Nahal Oz after his tank malfunctioned. His fellow soldiers were killed. From Rehovot, he’s remembered for always carrying a Rubik’s cube, now a keepsake for his mother. – David and Ariel Cunio, 35 and 28 – Argentinian-Israeli brothers abducted from Nir Oz kibbutz. Six relatives have since been freed. David was the subject of the award-winning documentary A Letter to David. – Evyatar David, 24 – Kidnapped from the Supernova festival, his abduction confirmed via Telegram. In later Hamas footage, he appeared emaciated and holding a shovel. – Guy Gilboa Dalal, 24 – Taken with friend Evyatar David from the same festival. A released hostage reported he was wounded. He loved Japanese culture and was learning the language. – Maxim Herkin, 37 – An Israeli-Russian taken from Supernova. A video showed him injured with bloodied bandages. He had a young daughter in Russia. – Eitan Horn, 39 – Abducted with his brother Yair from Nir Oz. Yair, who is diabetic, was released earlier in 2025. – Segev Kalfon, 27 – From Dimona, captured while fleeing the Supernova site. A released hostage confirmed spending time with him in captivity. – Bar Kuperstein, 23 – An army nurse and festival staffer who stayed to help the wounded before being taken. His father, once disabled, has since partially recovered and awaits his return. – Omri Miran, 48 – A masseur kidnapped from Nahal Oz in front of his wife and daughters. Seen in several Hamas videos, urging for a deal under apparent duress. – Eitan Mor, 25 – Security guard at Supernova, from Kiryat Arba. His father, Tzvika, co-founded a group opposing concessions to Hamas. – Yosef-Haim Ohana, 25 – Barman at the festival who helped the injured before being taken. Appeared in Hamas footage with Elkana Bohbot. – Alon Ohel, 24 – A talented pianist with dual Serbian-German nationality. Injured and untreated in captivity, according to released hostages. – Avinatan Or, 32 – A British-Israeli abducted with his partner Noa Argamani, who was rescued in 2024. He studied engineering and lived in Beersheba. – Matan Zangauker, 25 – Kidnapped from Nir Oz with his Mexican girlfriend, Ilana Gritzewsky, who was freed in 2023. His mother and girlfriend are leading advocates for hostage families.

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Seme Area Command, has announced the interception of various contraband items, including illicit drugs and expired flour imported from Egypt, with a total duty-paid value of ₦1.99 billion. The seizures were made between September 1 and October 9, 2025, along the Lagos–Abidjan Corridor. Speaking during his maiden press briefing at the Seme Border Command on Thursday, the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Wale Adenuga, said that the expired flour, consisting of 10,000 bags valued at ₦1.2 billion, was transported in five trucks. Adenuga warned that the expired products posed serious public health hazards, noting that their circulation in Nigerian markets could have resulted in infections, food poisoning, and long-term health complications. Located in Badagry, Lagos State, the Seme Border remains one of Nigeria’s busiest and most strategic land crossings. It links Nigeria with the Benin Republic and serves as a key route on the 1,028-kilometre Lagos–Abidjan Corridor, which connects five West African nations—Nigeria, Benin, Togo, Ghana, and Côte d’Ivoire—and accounts for about 70 per cent of regional trade. Over the years, the command has stepped up enforcement to deter smuggling and promote legitimate cross-border trade. According to Adenuga, within the review period, the command also seized 1,104 parcels of cannabis sativa and 120 packs of tramadol. Two suspects were arrested and handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation. Other confiscated items included 2,043 bags of foreign parboiled rice (50kg each), 150 bales of second-hand clothing, 169 bottles of DSP cough syrup with codeine, and five used vehicles. On exports, the Customs boss revealed that the command facilitated non-oil exports totalling 53,989.46 metric tonnes, with a Free on Board (FOB) value of ₦7.9 billion and a Nigerian Export Supervision Scheme (NESS) fee of ₦39.8 million. The exported goods comprised agricultural produce and manufactured products, reflecting growing confidence in Seme as a viable export hub under the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS). Adenuga further disclosed that the command generated ₦1.5 billion in September 2025, representing a 182 per cent increase compared to ₦531.4 million recorded in August. “The Command has intensified efforts to simplify procedures, enhance inter-agency coordination, and ensure that legitimate traders enjoy the full benefits of customs modernisation. Our focus on trade facilitation has helped reduce transaction costs, streamline processes, and improve revenue,” he said. He reaffirmed the command’s commitment to balancing its core mandates of revenue generation, trade facilitation, and national security through the use of technology and intelligence-driven border management. Adenuga also commended the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base, Badagry, for its collaboration in intercepting smuggled rice along the waterways. His predecessor, Dr. Ben Oramalugo (Rtd), had also recorded several major seizures—including rice, used clothing, and cannabis—during his tenure from February to September 2025, as part of ongoing efforts to curb smuggling and promote lawful trade along the Lagos–Abidjan route. Despite these successes, smuggling through land borders remains a significant challenge, particularly involving items such as rice, second-hand clothing, and other prohibited goods.

Human rights activist and former African Action Congress presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has announced October 20 as the date for a protest march in Abuja to demand the release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra. Sowore disclosed this in a post on his X handle on Thursday, describing the planned demonstration as a “historic” and peaceful march to the Aso Rock Villa to press for Kanu’s freedom. “We now have a date for the historic #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest march to the Aso Rock Villa in Abuja. It is October 20 at 7 a.m.,” Sowore wrote. On Wednesday, he had called on South-East governors, lawmakers, traditional rulers, and religious leaders to actively participate in the protest, urging them to go beyond verbal support. “No more empty noise. Let @CCSoludo, @SenatorAbaribe, @alexottiofr, @PeterObi, and all others who claim to care step up and join us in person. Every governor, senator, member of the House, traditional ruler, priest, eze, Igbo person, and every Nigerian who believes in Kanu’s freedom should come out and do more than talk,” he stated. Sowore noted that he had personally reached out to several prominent figures, including Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo; Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti; Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe; and Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, to rally support for the protest. Nnamdi Kanu, who has remained in the custody of the Department of State Services since his extradition from Kenya in 2021, has repeatedly denied all charges against him. In October 2022, the Court of Appeal discharged and acquitted him, ruling that his extradition violated international law. However, the Federal Government has yet to comply with the ruling.

Some engineers recently dismissed by the Dangote Refinery for allegedly joining the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) have criticised the company’s decision to redeploy them to other subsidiaries under the Dangote Group, including its sugar and cement plants. The affected workers, who requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the issue, accused the company of victimising them for exercising their right to unionise. However, the Dangote Group denied the allegations, insisting that several PENGASSAN members remain employed at the refinery. Last week, PENGASSAN shut down oil and gas facilities nationwide for three days to protest the alleged dismissal of about 800 refinery employees who had volunteered to join the union. The refinery maintained that only a few workers were dismissed for acts of sabotage, describing the action as part of an internal reorganisation. The industrial action caused disruptions in oil and gas production and reduced power generation across the country before government intervention brought temporary calm. Following a directive from the Federal Government, the Dangote Group agreed to redeploy the affected staff. But as of Tuesday, the engineers said they had yet to receive redeployment letters and remained at home since September 25, when the company announced the dismissals. According to them, their employment letters were issued by Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals, not the Dangote Group, making transfers to other subsidiaries unfair. They also expressed concern over being moved from petrochemical operations to unrelated sectors. “It feels like victimisation,” one of the engineers said. “We were employed by the refinery, not the group. Redeploying petrochemical engineers to sugar or cement plants is unreasonable and psychologically distressing.” The engineers further claimed that only Indian expatriates currently operate the refinery, alleging that all Nigerian engineers were asked to stay away after joining PENGASSAN. In response, the Dangote Group dismissed the claims, reiterating that over 3,000 Nigerians are still employed at the refinery. A senior company official said the dismissed engineers were let go for acts of sabotage, not for union membership. “Those affected were involved in sabotage. Their salaries have been fully paid, and PENGASSAN members are still working here. In our organisation, redeployment across business units is normal practice,” the official explained. He also refuted claims that the engineers earned less than ₦400,000 monthly, saying their actual pay was significantly higher. The refinery has recently faced criticism from multiple industry unions, including NUPENG and the Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria, over pricing and labour-related issues. Following government mediation, the crisis has eased, though many stakeholders are awaiting the implementation of the resolutions reached during the conciliatory meeting. Prominent Nigerians, including the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II; Bishop Matthew Kukah; and activist Aisha Yesufu, have urged caution from labour leaders, warning that hostile actions could discourage investment in the country.

Group Managing Director and Co-Founder of Routelink, Femi Adeoti, has called for urgent and deliberate action by businesses, policymakers, and institutions to make cybersecurity a top national and corporate priority. According to him, this is the only way to secure Nigeria’s digital future. “Cybersecurity is no longer a backroom issue,” Adeoti stated. “It must be a central pillar of national development, economic stability, and business sustainability. A single breach could disrupt supply chains, erode public trust, and cause massive financial losses.” Routelink, established in 2012, is one of Nigeria’s leading cybersecurity and digital solutions companies, providing end-to-end protection for digital assets across industries such as finance, telecommunications, and government. The firm is ranked among the top five cybersecurity providers in the country. Through global partnerships with top technology brands including Qualys, Palo Alto Networks, Acunetix, Portnox, Veracode, Huawei, Check Point, and Imperva, Routelink delivers world-class protection solutions tailored to Nigeria’s unique challenges. Its offerings cover vulnerability management, real-time threat detection, cloud and hybrid security, Zero Trust architectures, and managed security operations. Adeoti highlighted Nigeria’s key cybersecurity challenges—ranging from underfunding and a shortage of skilled professionals to weak enforcement of existing regulations—but noted that these issues can be mitigated through consistent compliance and proactive strategies. He also pointed to emerging opportunities in managed security services, identity governance, and regulatory reforms. “At Routelink Enterprise, we are proud to collaborate with leading global cybersecurity partners to help Nigerian organisations build resilience. A secure Nigeria is a prosperous Nigeria. Cybersecurity is the insurance policy for our digital future,” he said. Routelink reaffirmed its commitment to promoting secure digital transformation in Nigeria and across Africa by combining local expertise, advanced technology, and international best practices to help businesses achieve long-term success.

Air Peace Limited has issued a warning over a fake social media post promoting a supposed “30% off Africa flights” deal. In a statement by its spokesperson, Osifo-Whiskey Efe, the airline described the circulating advert as fraudulent and clarified that it is not affiliated with Air Peace in any form. The company urged members of the public to disregard the misleading post and avoid any interaction with its promoters, who it said are attempting to defraud unsuspecting customers. “Our attention has been drawn to a sponsored social media post advertising a purported ‘30% off Africa flights’ promotion and requesting people to sign up to access this offer. We wish to categorically state that Air Peace Limited is not running any 30% discount promotion. The advertisement is fraudulent and not affiliated with Air Peace in any way,” the statement read. The airline also raised alarm over reports of customers attempting to book tickets via airpeace.com, warning that its only official website is www.flyairpeace.com

With just two weeks left before voting closes, the Dove Healthcare Awards 2025 has entered its final phase. The third edition of the event will take place on December 5 at the Lagos Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, and will honour individuals and institutions for their outstanding contributions to healthcare in Nigeria. Organised by the Dove Healthcare Foundation, the ceremony is themed “Celebrating Excellence and Innovation in Healthcare.” Public voting, which closes on October 17, is open to both healthcare professionals and members of the public. Project Coordinator, Dr. Bola Otegbayo, said the initiative provides a platform to recognise healthcare professionals who often work without acknowledgment. “Every vote is a voice in support of healthcare excellence in Nigeria,” she explained. Since its establishment in 2017, the Dove Healthcare Foundation has recognised professionals and institutions across medicine, public health, hospital administration, and pharmaceutical development. Notable past honourees include Emeritus Professor Ayodele Falase, former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan and a pioneer in cardiology, and Professor Jesse Abiodun Otegbayo, Chief Medical Director of the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan. Institutions such as Fidson Healthcare, UCH Ibadan, and Caroline Medical Centre Abuja have also been recognised in previous editions. Categories cover areas including pharmaceutical innovation, hospital management, fertility treatment, dialysis, eye care, and government healthcare programmes. In 2024, Fidson Healthcare was named Most Outstanding Pharmaceutical Company, while St. Ives Specialist Hospital in Lagos won Most Outstanding Fertility Hospital. The Delta State Contributory Health Commission was also recognised for expanding access to healthcare through insurance schemes. Cynard Eye in Port Harcourt and Caroline Medical Centre Abuja received awards in the eye care and dialysis categories, respectively. The awards have also extended to international recipients. Ebury Court Care Services in the UK received the Most Outstanding Healthcare Team of the Year award in 2024, while NIPRO Medical Europe was named Most Outstanding Dialysis Equipment Manufacturer. “This shows that excellence in healthcare knows no borders,” said Mrs. Rachael Abe, Managing Director of Ebury Court Care Services, who travelled to Lagos to receive the award. Organisers are encouraging Nigerians to participate in the ongoing voting process before the October 17 deadline via the official website. “We want this to be the people’s award – a true reflection of appreciation for those who keep us healthy, often behind the scenes,” Dr. Otegbayo said. According to the foundation, the awards aim not only to celebrate achievement but also to inspire higher standards of care and commitment in the country’s health sector.

Former Kaduna Central Senator, Shehu Sani, has stated that possessing a secondary school certificate is enough for anyone aspiring to contest elections or hold political appointments in Nigeria. Sani made the remark on Monday in reaction to an investigative report by Premium Times which revealed that the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), disowned the Bachelor of Science degree certificate presented by the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Uche Nnaji. The institution said the minister neither completed his studies nor was issued a degree. According to court documents before Justice Hauwa Yilwa of the Federal High Court in Abuja, Nnaji admitted that UNN never awarded him a degree certificate. He subsequently filed a suit against the Minister of Education, the National Universities Commission (NUC), UNN, its Vice-Chancellor Professor Simon Ortuanya, the Registrar, a former Acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor Oguejiofor Ujam, and the university’s Senate. The court granted three of his requests, including compelling the university to release his academic transcript, but rejected his plea for an injunction against the defendants. The case was adjourned to October 6 for further hearing. Reacting via his X handle, Sani warned politicians against falsifying their academic credentials, stressing that opponents would always uncover such claims. He noted, “All you need to contest elections or for political appointment is a secondary school certificate. Some troubles are unnecessarily self-inflicted.”

New York City came alive on Saturday as thousands of Nigerians and supporters celebrated the 2025 Nigeria Independence Day Parade and Carnival. The vibrant event shut down part of Madison Avenue, from East 38th to 24th Street, drawing crowds with colorful floats, traditional dances, music, and patriotic displays. Organised by the Organisation for the Advancement of Nigerians (OAN) in partnership with Nigeria’s Consulate General and other groups, the parade featured participation from diaspora organisations, uniformed city agencies, and cultural associations. Dignitaries in attendance included UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed, Nigeria’s Consul General Amb. Abubakar Jidda, and other top diplomats. The celebration later transitioned to Madison Square Park for a full carnival, headlined by Nigerian artist Bella Shmurda and cultural performances, including Chinese dance troupes. Jidda praised the diaspora community for sustaining the tradition since 1991, describing it as a showcase of Nigeria’s strength, culture, and global relevance. Organisers emphasized the need for greater sponsorship to grow what has become the largest African national celebration outside the continent. Earlier, the Nigerian flag was raised at Bowling Green, symbolizing Nigeria’s enduring presence and pride in the U.S.

Abuja, Nigeria — Former President Goodluck Jonathan has revealed that during his administration’s efforts to negotiate with Boko Haram, the insurgent group proposed then-General Muhammadu Buhari as their preferred mediator. He made this claim during the launch of Scars: Nigeria’s Journey and the Boko Haram Conundrum, a book by ex-Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor. Jonathan, who took office in 2010 following the death of President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, stated that his government set up multiple committees to explore non-military solutions to end the insurgency. He expressed surprise that, despite Buhari’s later ascension to the presidency in 2015, the insurgency persisted. He implied that the group’s nomination of Buhari could have paved the way for successful negotiations. The former president also described Boko Haram as a deeply complex issue, more than just poverty or hunger-driven. He admitted the abduction of the Chibok girls was a lasting scar on his administration and urged future efforts to go beyond conventional security responses. He advised the Tinubu administration to adopt a “carrot and stick” approach to dealing with the insurgency. President Bola Tinubu, represented at the event by Defence Minister Mohammed Badaru, emphasized the importance of learning from past conflicts and pledged his government’s commitment to ending insecurity through modernization of the armed forces and community-based strategies. Buhari Camp Denies Insurgents Chose Him as Negotiator Reacting to Jonathan’s claim, former presidential spokesperson Garba Shehu firmly denied that Boko Haram ever nominated Buhari as a negotiator. He reminded Nigerians that in 2014, Buhari survived a Boko Haram assassination attempt in Kaduna. Shehu argued that Buhari was a known opponent of Boko Haram, and any claims of nomination may have stemmed from a splinter group without approval from the group’s actual leadership. He suggested that such claims were possibly political propaganda by Jonathan’s allies at the time. He added that the terrorist group’s leader, Abubakar Shekau, had repeatedly denounced Buhari and would never have chosen him as a mediator. Key Quotes from Jonathan: “If they nominated Buhari, I thought it would be easier for him to make them surrender. But Boko Haram persisted.” “The Chibok girls issue remains a scar on my government. I pray we fully understand what Boko Haram really wanted.” Notable Attendees: Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar III Bishop Matthew Kukah Gen. Christopher Musa (Chief of Defence Staff) Former NSA Babagana Monguno Minister of Budget Atiku Bagudu