The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has approved a major redeployment of senior officers in a strategic move aimed at strengthening the Nigerian Army’s operational effectiveness and intensifying the fight against insecurity across the country.

The shake-up, which affects key operational, command, training and staff appointments, is part of the Army’s ongoing transformation agenda to enhance its capacity to respond to emerging security threats and improve leadership across critical formations.

In a statement issued on Saturday by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, the Army said the redeployments were designed to consolidate ongoing security operations and reinforce the institution’s readiness to tackle terrorism, banditry and other criminal activities threatening national security.

Under the new appointments, Major General WM Dangana becomes the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division Nigerian Army and Commander, Joint Task Force Operation ENDURING PEACE, succeeding Major General EF Oyinlola.

Major General EI Okoro has been appointed GOC 6 Division Nigerian Army and Land Component Commander, Joint Task Force South-South Operation DELTA SAFE, replacing Major General EE Emeka.

Also redeployed is Major General JR Lar, who assumes office as Commander, Army Headquarters Garrison, while Brigadier General OM Oyekola takes over as Acting Military Secretary (Army). Brigadier General I Waziri retains his position as Chief of Staff to the COAS.

In further efforts to strengthen operational leadership, Brigadier General IB Buhari has been appointed Commander, Headquarters 63 Brigade, while Brigadier General K Rabiu takes command of Headquarters 31 Artillery Brigade.

Reflecting the Army’s growing emphasis on technology-driven security operations, Major General SA Emmanuel has been named Commander, Nigerian Army Space Command, while Major General O Adegbe assumes duty as Director of Intelligence and Security at Defence Headquarters.

The redeployment also affected key military training institutions. Major General KE Chigbu has been appointed Deputy Commandant of the National Defence College, while Major General SD Makolo becomes Commandant, Nigerian Army Armour School. Major General SO Adejimi takes over as Commandant, Nigerian Army School of Supply and Transport, and Major General FS Etim has been appointed Chief of Training at Headquarters Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC).

Brigadier General U Ahmad has also been named Commandant, Depot Nigerian Army, Zaria.

Other appointments include Major General KO Ukandu as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Post Housing Development Limited, while Major General AI Allison becomes Managing Director of Defence Properties Limited.

The COAS charged the newly appointed officers to justify the confidence reposed in them by demonstrating exemplary leadership, professionalism, innovation and unwavering commitment to the Army’s constitutional responsibility of defending Nigeria’s sovereignty, protecting its territorial integrity and supporting civil authorities in maintaining peace and security.

According to the Army, the latest redeployment underscores its determination to build a highly professional, combat-ready and people-oriented force capable of confronting both current and emerging security challenges in line with Nigeria’s national security objectives.

Residents of Nyanya in the Federal Capital Territory and Mararaba in Nasarawa State have commended the Nigerian Armed Forces for sustaining operations against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and crude oil theft, describing the military’s efforts as vital to national security and economic stability.

The commendation came on Friday during a Peace and Development Rally organised by the Centre for Security and Economic Development (CSED), where community leaders, youth groups and other stakeholders gathered to express solidarity with troops serving across various theatres of operation nationwide.

Speaking at the rally, community leader Aliyu Makama said members of the Armed Forces deserved greater public recognition for confronting multiple security threats while safeguarding critical national assets.

“Our troops are making enormous sacrifices to keep Nigerians safe. While they are fighting terrorists and bandits in different parts of the country, they are also protecting oil installations and combating crude oil theft in the Niger Delta. These efforts deserve the appreciation of every patriotic citizen,” he said.

Another participant, Gbenga Oke, said the military’s operations against crude oil theft had helped strengthen the economy by protecting government revenues that would otherwise be lost to criminal activities.

“We often hear about military operations against insurgents and bandits, but many people do not realise the important work being done to stop oil theft. By protecting our oil resources, the Armed Forces are helping to strengthen government revenues and support national development,” he said.

Also speaking, Friday Nnadi praised the resilience of military personnel despite the country’s complex security challenges.

“Our soldiers are stretched across different operations, yet they continue to record successes against terrorists, kidnappers, bandits and oil thieves. Their commitment and professionalism should be commended by all Nigerians,” he said.

Explaining the rationale behind the rally, Secretary of CSED, Taiwo Abiodun, said the event was organised to promote peaceful coexistence and underscore the importance of unity in driving sustainable socio-economic development.

“This rally is aimed at encouraging our people to live together in peace, harmony and mutual understanding. No meaningful development can take place in an atmosphere of conflict, suspicion and division. Peace remains the bedrock of socio-economic progress in every community,” he said.

Abiodun urged citizens to complement the efforts of the Armed Forces and other security agencies by providing credible intelligence and cooperating with security personnel.

“The Armed Forces cannot do it alone. Citizens have a critical role to play by supporting our troops through cooperation and the timely sharing of useful information. When communities work closely with security agencies, it becomes easier to defeat terrorists, bandits, kidnappers and other criminal elements threatening our nation.

“We commend the leadership of the Chief of Defence Staff and the dedication of officers and men deployed across the country. Their sacrifices in combating terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and crude oil theft are helping to safeguard lives, protect critical national assets and strengthen the nation’s economy,” he said.

Participants at the rally observed that recent operations targeting crude oil theft, illegal refining and pipeline vandalism had contributed to improved crude oil production while curbing the activities of economic saboteurs in oil-producing communities.

They also acknowledged the sacrifices of military personnel serving in various operational theatres, noting that their efforts had enhanced security and boosted investor confidence in strategic sectors of the economy.

The rally concluded with participants reaffirming their support for the Armed Forces and expressing optimism that ongoing operations against terrorists, bandits, kidnappers and crude oil thieves would further strengthen national security and accelerate economic development.

By Chuks Oyema

The 2026 FIFA World Cup enters the knockout stage on Sunday with several mouth-watering Round of 32 fixtures, but the showdown between Morocco and the Netherlands is already emerging as one of the standout ties.

Morocco, one of Africa’s leading representatives at the tournament, will take on Group F winners, the Netherlands, in a contest expected to test the ambitions of both sides as they bid for a place in the last 16.

The North Africans progressed to the knockout stage after an impressive group campaign and will be aiming to build on their growing reputation on the world stage against the eighth-ranked Dutch side.

Morocco currently sits seventh in the latest FIFA rankings, underlining how closely matched the two teams are heading into the encounter.

Former France international Patrick Vieira believes Morocco possess the quality to spring a surprise at the tournament.

“I think Morocco can be the team that can cause a surprise and I think they have enough individual quality to be in the last eight,” Vieira said on The Rest Is Football podcast.

“But outside of Morocco, I think it will be difficult for all the other smaller nations to go through and get to the last four.”

The Round of 32 also features several heavyweight encounters involving tournament favourites.

Brazil will face Japan on June 29, while Germany takes on Paraguay later the same day. France will battle Sweden on June 30, with Argentina meeting Cape Verde on July 3.

Co-hosts the United States will face Bosnia and Herzegovina, while South Africa open the knockout phase against Canada on Sunday.

Confirmed Round of 32 fixtures

Sunday, June 28
South Africa vs Canada

Monday, June 29
Brazil vs Japan
Germany vs Paraguay

Tuesday, June 30
Netherlands vs Morocco
Côte d’Ivoire vs Norway
France vs Sweden

Thursday, July 2
USA vs Bosnia and Herzegovina

Friday, July 3
Australia vs Egypt

Argentina vs Cape Verde

Several Round of 32 fixtures are yet to be confirmed, with the final group matches expected to determine the remaining qualifiers and pairings.

The Rivers State House of Assembly on Friday swiftly approved the 2026–2028 Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF), paving the way for the presentation and consideration of the state’s 2026 budget.

The approval came during the Assembly’s second legislative sitting of the Fourth Session after lawmakers considered the fiscal framework submitted by Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Martin Chike Amaewhule, noted that although Section 10(1)(b) of the Rivers State Fiscal Responsibility Law No. 8 of 2010 requires the MTEF to be submitted in September preceding the commencement of a new three-year fiscal cycle, the House decided to consider the document in the overall interest of the state despite the delay.

He observed that the framework, which serves as the foundation for the annual budget, ought to have been presented in September 2025, but said the legislature considered it expedient to fast-track its approval even though the 2026 fiscal year was already midway.

During debate, lawmakers examined the assumptions underpinning the MTEF and expressed confidence that strict implementation would promote fiscal discipline and enhance the welfare of Rivers people.
Following the debate, the Speaker put the matter to a voice vote, with members unanimously approving the framework.

Meanwhile, the House also received a petition from the Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Dr. Gift Worlu, through the member representing Obio/Akpor Constituency II, Hon. Emilia Amadi, alleging imminent security threats, destruction of property and attempts by some individuals to forcefully take over property within the council area.

Presenting the petition, Amadi urged the Assembly to revisit the matter and take necessary steps to protect lives and property in the affected communities.

The Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Youth Development, Hon. Martins Etim Esin, has assured corps members that the National Assembly will continue to champion legislation aimed at expanding economic opportunities for Nigerian youths, with particular emphasis on members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

Esin gave the assurance on Friday during an oversight visit by members of the committee to the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp at Nonwa-Gbam in Tai Local Government Area of Rivers State.

He said the House of Representatives remained committed to enacting laws that would strengthen youth development and economic empowerment, expressing optimism that the proposed NYSC Trust Fund Bill, once assented to by the President, would significantly improve the welfare of corps members and staff, while addressing critical infrastructure deficits across NYSC formations.

According to him, the Trust Fund would usher in better welfare packages and facilitate the upgrade of orientation camp facilities nationwide.

Addressing the corps members, Esin urged them to remain focused throughout their service year and take advantage of the NYSC Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme to become self-reliant after service.

He also charged them to uphold the highest standards of integrity when engaged as ad hoc personnel by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) during the 2027 general elections.

Earlier, the Rivers State Coordinator of the NYSC, Mr. Moses Oleghe, commended the corps members for their discipline, commitment and hard work, noting that their dedication had contributed immensely to the smooth conduct of activities at the orientation camp.

He described the committee’s visit as historic and appreciated its interest in the welfare and development of the Scheme.

Oleghe also praised the Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, for his sustained support for the NYSC in the state.

He appealed to the committee chairman to facilitate additional interventions for the scheme, including the construction of a new state secretariat complex, proper drainage infrastructure to curb perennial flooding at the camp during heavy rainfall, twin hostels with a combined capacity of 1,000 male and female corps members, and the provision of 1,000 double bunk beds to improve accommodation.

The management of Rivers State University (RSU), Nkpolu-Oroworukwo, Port Harcourt, has announced sweeping restrictions on vehicular movement within the institution following the death of a female student, Miss Eno Udoson, in a fatal road accident on campus.

In a statement issued by the Acting Registrar, Dr. Idanyingi I. Daminabo, the university expressed deep sorrow over the incident, which occurred on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, and extended condolences to the deceased’s family and loved ones.

The university disclosed that the tragedy resulted from the reckless driving of two students, identified as Darlington Kosi Onuaku of the Department of Development and Communication Studies and Obinna Daniel Ikechi of the Department of Computer Science.

According to the statement, both students have been arrested and handed over to the police for further investigation and possible prosecution.
RSU management noted that it had previously introduced measures aimed at regulating vehicular movement on campus, including speed limits, installation of speed breakers and enforcement of sanctions against reckless driving.

However, in response to the latest incident, the university convened an emergency meeting on Wednesday, June 24, and adopted additional measures to strengthen safety and security on campus.
Under the new directives, undergraduate students are prohibited from driving personal vehicles into the campus between 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m.

Students who bring private vehicles to the university are now required to park them at the designated car park near the institution’s main entrance and rely on authorised university shuttle services for movement within the campus.

The management also directed that postgraduate and Centre for Continuing Education (CCE) students would only be allowed to drive personal vehicles on campus upon presentation of valid university identity cards.

In addition, any student found engaging in reckless driving will face suspension, disciplinary proceedings and impoundment of the vehicle involved.

The university further announced that visiting hours to student hostels will now end at 6:00 p.m. daily as part of efforts to enhance security.

Management reiterated that the approved speed limit within the campus remains 30 kilometres per hour on major roads and 20 kilometres per hour in residential areas.

The institution said the new measures were necessary to prevent a recurrence of such tragic incidents and to safeguard the lives of students, staff and visitors.

The Opobo Kingdom in Rivers State has commenced preparations for the coronation of its new monarch, King Charles Douglas Jaja, Jeki VI, with the inauguration of 17 committees to coordinate activities for the historic event scheduled to hold between September 4 and 12, 2026.

The coronation is expected to usher in a new era of traditional leadership in the ancient kingdom following the demise of the former monarch, King Douglas Dandeson Jaja, who passed on in April 2026 after years on the throne.

King Charles Douglas Jaja was selected in December 2025 as the successor to the late monarch and is set to formally ascend the revered stool during a week-long programme expected to attract dignitaries from across Nigeria and beyond.

To ensure a successful and hitch-free coronation, the kingdom has constituted 17 committees covering key aspects of the ceremonies, including traditional rites, protocol, security, fundraising, publicity, cultural displays, entertainment, infrastructure, documentation and thanksgiving services.

Among the committees are the General Coronation Committee, Traditional Rites and Rural Affairs Committee, Protocol and Government Relations Committee, Finance and Sponsorship Committee, Media and Publicity Committee, Security and Emergency Response Committee, Cultural and Regatta Committee, Venue and Decoration Committee, Souvenirs Committee, Church and Thanksgiving Committee, and a Literary, Tourism, Documentation and Digital Archive Committee.

Other committees will oversee entertainment for guests and traditional rulers, customised ceremonial attire, public hospitality, electricity and maintenance, as well as social and classical events.

Sources within the kingdom said preparations have gathered momentum as stakeholders, community leaders and indigenes mobilise resources to deliver a coronation befitting the status of Opobo, one of the most historically significant traditional institutions in the Niger Delta.

The week-long event is expected to showcase the rich cultural heritage of the kingdom through traditional dances, regattas, ceremonial rites and thanksgiving activities, while also drawing government officials, traditional rulers, business leaders and members of the diplomatic community.

The coronation of Jeki VI is widely viewed as a significant moment in the history of the kingdom, marking the continuation of the legacy of the House of Jaja and the preservation of Opobo’s longstanding traditions and influence in the region.

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara has reaffirmed the state’s commitment to leveraging the vast opportunities in the blue economy as a critical pathway to economic diversification, investment growth and sustainable development.

Speaking at the opening of the 2026 Annual General Meeting and Conference of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) in Port Harcourt on Thursday, the governor said the maritime sector holds enormous potential to transform not only Rivers State but also Nigeria’s economy if properly harnessed.

Represented by his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, Fubara described the conference theme, “The Gulf of Guinea and Blue Economy: Pathways to Trade, Investment and Security Towards a $1 Trillion Economy,” as timely and strategic, given the growing global focus on ocean-based economic activities.

The governor noted that Rivers State, with its extensive coastline, ports and strategic location in the Niger Delta, stands to benefit significantly from investments in shipping, fisheries, maritime trade, tourism and other blue economy value chains.

According to him, the sector possesses the capacity to generate revenues capable of rivaling and even surpassing earnings from the oil and gas industry if effectively developed and managed.

Fubara said the future prosperity of Rivers State and Nigeria depends on deliberate efforts to unlock the economic potential of marine resources while ensuring their protection from exploitation.

He expressed concern over the activities of foreign fishing trawlers operating in Nigerian waters, alleging that many harvest the nation’s seafood resources without making commensurate contributions to the economy.

The governor, therefore, called for stronger surveillance systems, enhanced maritime security and effective regulatory frameworks to safeguard Nigeria’s coastal assets and marine biodiversity.

“We must wake up and hit the ground running. If we do not capitalize on and utilize our blue economy, other nations will utilize it for us,” he said.

Fubara also stressed that developing the blue economy would create jobs, stimulate private sector investments, boost exports and open new streams of revenue for coastal communities, particularly in Rivers State, which remains one of Nigeria’s major economic hubs.

He thanked NACCIMA for drawing national attention to the enormous opportunities within the maritime sector and said the successful hosting of the conference in Port Harcourt underscored Rivers State’s growing reputation as a safe and investor-friendly destination.

Earlier, NACCIMA National President, Engr. Jani Ibrahim, commended the Rivers State Government for hosting the association’s 66th Annual General Conference, describing the gesture as a strong signal of the state’s readiness for business and investment.

He said the partnership between the state government and the organised private sector had helped restore investor confidence and reinforced Rivers State’s position as a key destination for economic growth.

In her welcome address, President of the Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (PHCCIMA), Dr. Chinyere Nwoga, described the conference as a historic milestone, noting that it was the first time in the chamber’s 66-year history that it was hosting NACCIMA’s national conference.

She pledged the chamber’s continued commitment to promoting private sector development and advancing initiatives that support sustainable economic growth in Rivers State and across Nigeria.

Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has ordered the immediate closure and complete sealing of the site of the five-storey building that collapsed along Odili Road in Port Harcourt, vowing that the premises will remain shut until government uncovers the root cause of the tragedy.

The building, which was still under construction, collapsed on Wednesday, leaving one person dead and several others injured, while emergency agencies continue search-and-rescue operations for possible victims trapped beneath the rubble.

Visiting the scene on Thursday, Governor Fubara described the incident as both unfortunate and avoidable, saying preliminary findings indicated that the developer repeatedly resisted efforts by state authorities to inspect the project and ensure compliance with approved building regulations.

The governor, accompanied by the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Sir Amairigha Edward Hart, and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Special Duties, Dabite Sokari George, said government would leave no stone unturned in determining the circumstances that led to the collapse.

“We are here to see for ourselves this very unfortunate incident,” Fubara said. “I did not come yesterday because I wanted to receive a formal briefing first. The Commissioner informed me that despite several attempts by government officials to inspect the project and assess compliance levels, the developer consistently maintained that the state had no authority to interfere because the site was under the jurisdiction of the Federal Housing Authority.”

The governor stressed that the issue had gone beyond questions of jurisdiction, noting that a life had been lost and families had been thrown into grief as a result of the collapse.

Expressing condolences to the family of the deceased and others affected by the disaster, Fubara insisted that adherence to established engineering and construction standards could have prevented the tragedy.

He lamented that such an incident could occur at a time when advances in engineering, technology and building safety standards have significantly reduced the risks associated with high-rise construction.

“It is regrettable that something like this should happen in the 21st century,” he said. “Engineering has evolved and technology has advanced. One wonders how a project with apparent defects from inception was allowed to continue.”

The governor announced that all activities at the site had been suspended indefinitely pending the outcome of investigations.

“Nothing is going to happen on this site anymore. We will ensure that this place remains completely sealed until we get to the root cause of this incident,” he declared.

The collapse has renewed concerns over compliance with building regulations and the enforcement of safety standards in the construction sector, with stakeholders calling for stricter oversight to prevent similar tragedies.

Meanwhile, rescue workers from multiple emergency agencies continued operations at the site as authorities sought to ascertain whether more victims remained trapped beneath the debris.