The Vice Principal of Government Day Secondary School, Lassa, in Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State, Paul Namaske, has described how a Nigerian military air operation created an opportunity for him, two teachers and several students abducted by terrorists to escape.   Speaking in a one-minute, 20-second video obtained by Punch on Monday, Namaske said the abductees were taken into the bush after terrorists attacked candidates writing the National Examinations Council examinations. According to him, the situation changed when a military aircraft began hovering over the abductors, forcing the terrorists to scatter. “Today, being June 29, the terrorists took us into the bush. When a military aircraft started hovering over us, the insurgents started dispersing. While this was happening, we heard gunshots from the soldiers, so they began to run while we started escaping. In the process, the soldiers rescued us,” he said. Namaske said the abducted group comprised two teachers and more than 20 students. “We are two teachers and about 20-something students. I cannot give the precise number, but at one point during the movement, when they gathered us in one place, I was able to make a rough estimate. They were about 20 students and two teachers,” he added. Earlier, the Nigerian Army confirmed that 10 abducted victims, including teachers and students, had been rescued during the operation. The Acting Military Information Officer of the North-East Joint Task Force, Operation Hadin Kai, Capt. Muhammed Goni, said troops, supported by strike and Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance aircraft, launched a coordinated search-and-rescue mission after the attack. He said ground troops, guided by the air component, engaged the abductors around the Daggu area, leading to the rescue of 10 victims, who were unharmed and are receiving care. Goni added that troops inflicted casualties on the fleeing terrorists and recovered seven motorcycles during the operation. He, however, confirmed that one soldier attached to Operation Hadin Kai and one member of the Civilian Joint Task Force were killed during the firefight. Efforts are continuing to rescue the remaining abductees and apprehend those responsible for the attack.

A 16-year-old Nigerian student, Osasere Okundaye, has made history by becoming the youngest chartered accountant in Nigeria.   According to TheCable, the achievement was celebrated by the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, who described it as a reflection of hard work, discipline, resilience and an unwavering commitment to excellence. In a statement issued on Monday, Olawande said Okundaye’s success demonstrates the limitless potential of Nigerian youths and serves as an inspiration for young people across the country. > “Osasere has distinguished herself as a shining example of the limitless potential of Nigerian youth. Her accomplishment reminds us that with determination, dedication, and the right support, young Nigerians can break barriers, set new records, and inspire a generation to dream bigger and strive for excellence,” the minister said. He also congratulated her parents, family, teachers, mentors and everyone who contributed to her academic journey, acknowledging their encouragement and sacrifices. The minister added that the Federal Ministry of Youth Development remains committed to implementing policies and programmes that empower young Nigerians to achieve their full potential. Okundaye’s achievement comes a year after Temilola Blossom Arise, then an 18-year-old economics student at University of Ilorin, passed all five papers in the professional stage examination of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria to qualify as a chartered accountant. TheCable reported that Okundaye’s milestone sets a new national record for the youngest person to attain chartered accountant status in Nigeria.

The Federal Government is working to remove the option of fines for convicted drug traffickers in a move aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s fight against illicit drugs, according to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).   Speaking on Sunrise Daily on Monday, NDLEA spokesman Femi Babafemi said the proposed amendment to the NDLEA Act, being championed by the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, would replace the current fine option with mandatory prison sentences of between 15 and 25 years. Babafemi said the agency enjoys a conviction rate of nearly 90 per cent, describing the judiciary as a key partner in its efforts to prosecute drug offenders. However, he argued that allowing convicted traffickers to pay fines instead of serving prison terms weakens the fight against drug crimes. He said an executive bill would soon be transmitted to the National Assembly to amend the law and eliminate the fine option. According to him, convicted traffickers currently pay fines ranging from ₦5 million to ₦20 million and return to the illicit drug trade, a loophole the government now intends to close. Babafemi said the proposed amendment would ensure offenders face imprisonment rather than fines, making drug trafficking a far less attractive criminal enterprise. The NDLEA spokesman also said the agency’s sustained crackdown has reduced the availability of illicit drugs across Nigeria, leading to shortages and significant increases in street prices. He cited online complaints from some drug users about the rising cost of cannabis, saying it reflected the impact of the agency’s enforcement operations. Babafemi added that the NDLEA has uncovered billions of naira in bank accounts linked to suspected drug traffickers during recent investigations. He said the accounts have been frozen while the agency seeks court orders to forfeit the funds to the Federal Government. He also claimed Nigeria has become increasingly hostile to drug traffickers, forcing many to relocate abroad. According to him, the NDLEA is working with international partners to track and prosecute suspects who flee the country.

Manchester City have appointed Enzo Maresca as their new manager, confirming the Italian’s return to the Etihad Stadium following Pep Guardiola’s departure.   The 46-year-old has signed a three-year contract that will keep him at the Premier League club until the summer of 2029. Speaking after his appointment, Maresca said he was delighted to return for a third spell at City and described the opportunity as a dream. “Manchester City is a club I know very well and to have the chance to manage this team is a brilliant opportunity for me,” he said. “I know the demands, and I know the expectations. I cannot wait to start coaching the players. I want us to win, play good football and enjoy the pressure of representing Manchester City.” Maresca previously worked as one of Guardiola’s assistants during City’s historic 2022-23 campaign, when the club won the Premier League, UEFA Champions League and FA Cup treble. He also guided City’s Elite Development Squad to the Premier League 2 title in the 2020-21 season. His appointment follows months of speculation after Guardiola announced his departure in May, ending a trophy-laden 10-year reign. The Spaniard won 17 major honours at City, including six Premier League titles, before stepping down, saying he no longer had the energy to continue. Before returning to Manchester, Maresca managed Leicester City to promotion from the Championship before taking charge of Chelsea. His first season at Stamford Bridge saw the Blues finish fourth in the Premier League and win both the UEFA Conference League and FIFA Club World Cup. Chelsea confirmed earlier this year that Maresca left the club after informing them there was a possibility he could succeed Guardiola at the end of the season. Reports suggested negotiations over compensation delayed his move, with Chelsea reportedly seeking around £17 million. Known for his possession-based philosophy and close adherence to Guardiola’s coaching principles, Maresca now faces the challenge of returning City to the top of English football after the club went two consecutive seasons without winning the Premier League title. Manchester City are also expected to strengthen the squad during the summer transfer window, with reports linking the club to Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson and Bournemouth forward Eli Junior Kroupi.