Abuja — From major digital investments to renewed security strategies and unfolding political and legal developments, today’s headlines highlight the Federal Government’s efforts 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 nationwide.
Meanwhile, police uncovered a ₦7.7bn cyber-enabled telecommunications fraud, former presidential aide 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 are the top stories making headlines this evening:
1. Tinubu Approves Purchase of Two New Communication Satellites
President Bola Tinubu has approved the acquisition of two new communication satellites, marking a fresh investment in Nigeria’s digital future.
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.
“Mr President has been very clear about his ambition to build a $1tn economy, and digital technology is central to achieving that vision,” Tijani said.
“The president has now approved that we should procure two new satellites.”
Tijani also disclosed progress on the Federal Government’s 90,000-kilometre fibre optic backbone project, saying about 60 per cent of the work has been completed and funding for the remaining phases secured.
2. FG Deploys Military Retirees to Secure Ungoverned Spaces
The Federal Government has 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 efforts would complement ongoing military operations, improve intelligence gathering and reduce pressure on frontline troops.
3. Police Uncover ₦7.7bn Telecom Fraud, Arrest Six Suspects
The Nigeria Police Force recorded a major breakthrough against cybercrime after uncovering a ₦7.7bn telecommunications fraud and arresting six suspects.
Investigations revealed that compromised internal system credentials enabled the illegal diversion of airtime and data belonging to a telecom company.
Recovered items include residential buildings, mini-plazas, GSM and laptop retail outlets with over 400 laptops and 1,000 mobile phones, as well as a Toyota RAV4 vehicle. Police said the suspects will be charged to court after investigations.
4. Sowore Cannot Rely on Withdrawn Statements — Omokri
Former presidential aide Reno Omokri has reacted to claims raised during the ongoing trial of activist Omoyele Sowore.
Omokri admitted making earlier remarks against President 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 they were not true, and I publicly withdrew them.”
He maintained that withdrawn statements could not be relied upon to justify later publications.
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.
While APC supporters alleged political motives, supporters of Governor Ademola Adeleke argued that the state government has the constitutional authority to deploy civil servants. The redeployment comes amid an unresolved legal dispute over the tenure of elected council officials.
