From major digital investments to renewed security strategies and unfolding political and legal developments, today’s headlines reflect ongoing efforts by the Federal Government to strengthen Nigeria’s economy, governance and internal security.
President Bola Tinubu approved the procurement of two new communication satellites to boost Nigeria’s digital capacity and support the administration’s $1tn economic target, while the Federal Government also unveiled plans to deploy military retirees to help secure ungoverned spaces across the country.
Meanwhile, police uncovered a ₦7.7bn cyber-enabled telecommunications fraud, Reno Omokri reacted to court claims linked to Omoyele Sowore’s trial, and political tension deepened in Osun State following the redeployment of local government officials.
Here’s your complete evening roundup of the top stories:
1. Tinubu approves purchase of two new communication satellites
Fresh investments in Nigeria’s digital future emerged as President Bola Tinubu approved the acquisition of two new communication satellites to strengthen national connectivity.
The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, said the move would address a long-standing gap, noting that Nigeria currently lacks active communication satellites compared to other West African countries.
“As you know, Mr President has been very clear about his ambition to build a $1tn economy, and digital technology is central to achieving that vision,” he said.
“But the president has now approved that we should procure two new satellites,” Tijani added.
He also disclosed progress on the Federal Government’s 90,000-kilometre fibre optic backbone project.
“The 90,000 kilometres fibre optic project is not a dream. About 60 per cent of the work has already been completed, and the funding for the project is secure,” he said.
Tijani stressed that expanding connectivity must be matched with strong data protection to sustain trust in the digital economy.
2. FG deploys military retirees to secure ungoverned spaces
Security efforts took a new turn as the Federal Government unveiled plans to deploy military retirees to help stabilise ungoverned spaces across the country.
The initiative followed the inauguration of an 18-member committee tasked with reclaiming areas affected by insecurity and repositioning the Nigerian Legion Corps of Commissionaires and Veterans.
The Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (retd.), said integrating veterans into local security and development efforts would complement ongoing military operations.
“Deliberate integration of veterans into security and development initiatives would enhance local ownership, improve intelligence gathering and foster trust between communities and the state,” he said.
He added that the approach would also ease pressure on frontline troops while promoting inclusive growth.
3. Police uncover ₦7.7bn telecom fraud, arrest six suspects
Major breakthroughs were recorded in the fight against cybercrime as the Nigeria Police Force uncovered a ₦7.7bn telecommunications fraud and arrested six suspects.
Investigations revealed that internal system credentials were compromised, allowing illegal diversion of airtime and data resources belonging to a telecom company.
The suspects — Ahmad Bala, Karibu Mohammed Shehu, Umar Habib, Obinna Ananaba, Ibrahim Shehu and Masa’ud Sa’ad — were arrested during coordinated operations in Kano, Katsina and the Federal Capital Territory.
Recovered items include residential buildings, mini-plazas, GSM and laptop retail outlets containing over 400 laptops and 1,000 mobile phones, as well as a Toyota RAV4 vehicle.
The police said the suspects would be charged to court after investigations are concluded.
4. Sowore cannot rely on statements I withdrew — Omokri
Courtroom exchanges continued as former presidential aide, Reno Omokri, responded to claims raised during the ongoing trial of activist Omoyele Sowore.
Omokri admitted making earlier remarks against President Bola Tinubu but said he later discovered they were untrue and withdrew them publicly.
“I did make uncomplimentary remarks while believing those comments to be true at the time,” he said.
“Subsequent to making those statements, I discovered that they were not, in fact, true, and I publicly withdrew them.”
He maintained that Sowore could not rely on statements already withdrawn years earlier to justify later publications.
“I again affirm today that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is not, has never been, and will never be a drug lord,” he said.
5. Osun redeploys LG officials as council control dispute deepens
Political tension persisted in Osun State following the redeployment of five Heads of Local Government Administration by the State Local Government Service Commission.
The officials were moved from local council development authorities to main council areas, including Boripe Local Government, the hometown of former governor Adegboyega Oyetola.
The development drew mixed reactions, with APC supporters alleging political motives, while supporters of Governor Ademola Adeleke insisted the state government has the authority to deploy civil servants.
The redeployment comes amid an unresolved legal dispute over the tenure of elected council officials in the state.
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