Nigerian Newspapers Summary
Good morning! Here is today’s roundup from Daily News 24. Stay updated with the top headlines shaping Nigeria, including Senate deliberations on tax reforms, Amnesty International’s alarming report on military custody deaths, a dramatic emergency landing in Maiduguri, and key security developments across the country.
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1. Akpabio urges Nigerians to engage in tax reform bill hearing
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has reassured Nigerians that the Senate will prioritize the public’s interests in deliberations and decisions on the Tax Reform Bill. Speaking on Thursday, he encouraged citizens, governors, and traditional rulers to voice their concerns by attending the public hearing, ensuring inclusivity in the legislative process.
2. Amnesty reports 10,000 deaths in military custody since Boko Haram conflict
Amnesty International has revealed that over 10,000 detainees have died in military custody since the Boko Haram insurgency began in Nigeria’s North-East. Speaking at a press briefing in Maiduguri on Thursday, Country Director Isa Sunusi stressed the importance of addressing these human rights violations and seeking justice for victims.
3. Max Air aborts Abuja flight after bird strike damages engine
A Max Air flight heading to Abuja made an emergency return to Maiduguri’s Muhammadu Buhari International Airport on Wednesday following engine damage caused by a suspected bird strike. Among the over 100 passengers who escaped unharmed was Borno State Deputy Governor, Umar Usman Kadafur.
4. Retired soldiers protest unpaid entitlements in Abuja
Scores of retired military personnel on Thursday staged a protest at the Federal Ministry of Finance over unpaid salary increments from January to November 2024. Armed with mats, chairs, and canopies, the protesters accused the federal government of failing to honor its commitment to a 20%-28% increase.
5. Gunmen attack Taraba governor’s mother and sister
Gunmen suspected to be bandits attacked Jumai Kefas, the mother of Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas, and her daughter, Atsi Kefas, on Thursday. The incident occurred along Kente Road in Wukari Local Government Area, raising concerns about security in the region.
6. Rivers police kill wanted kidnapper ‘General 2Man’ in botched abduction
Rivers State Police Command thwarted a kidnapping attempt and neutralized notorious kidnapper Ikem ThankGod, alias ‘General 2Man.’ Known as the leader of the Greenland cult, 2Man was infamous for orchestrating violent crimes in Ahoada East and West Local Government Areas.
7. Labour Party loses four lawmakers to APC in House of Representatives
Four Labour Party lawmakers defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress on Thursday. The defectors include Tochukwu Okere (Imo), Donatus Mathew (Kaduna), Bassey Akiba (Cross River), and Iyawe Esosa (Edo), weakening the LP’s presence in the National Assembly.
8. Port Harcourt refinery to boost production, Tinubu’s aide reveals
Presidential Adviser Bayo Onanuga announced that significant progress is underway at the Port Harcourt Refining Company, which has a 150,000 barrels-per-day capacity. He disclosed that the smaller 60,000bpd refinery is operating at 70% capacity, with plans to scale up production soon.
9. Kebbi governor appoints 200 youths as special assistants
Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris has appointed 200 youths, both male and female, as special assistants. Speaking at the APC Secretariat in Birnin Kebbi on Thursday, state party chairman Abubakar Kana-Zuru commended the governor for empowering young members of the party.
10. NSCDC arrests six over illegal mining in Anambra
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Anambra State detained six individuals for alleged illegal mining activities in Odele, Aguleri. State Commandant Olatunde Maku disclosed the arrests on Thursday, emphasizing the Corps’ commitment to curbing unlawful resource extraction.
