Nigerian News Highlights June 30, 2025
Police, Vigilantes Rescue 13 Kidnap Victims in Benue
Thirteen passengers abducted near Eke in Okpokwu LGA, Benue State, have been freed following a coordinated operation by police and local vigilantes. The victims were traveling aboard a Benue Links bus from Abeokuta to Makurdi when gunmen kidnapped them, underscoring persistent security challenges along Nigerian highways.
Saudi Arabia Approves Burial of Aminu Dantata in Madina
Saudi authorities have granted permission for the burial of renowned businessman and philanthropist, Alhaji Aminu Dantata, in Islam’s second holiest city, Madina. The announcement was made by his Principal Private Secretary, Mustapha Junaid, in a statement on Sunday, marking a rare honor reflecting Dantata’s stature.
Ex-Footballer, Businessman Arrested for Cocaine Smuggling
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has apprehended former international footballer Segun George Hunkarin and businessman Ntoruka Emmanuel Chinedu for attempting to smuggle cocaine into Nigeria through Lagos’ Murtala Muhammed International Airport. NDLEA spokesman Femi Babafemi confirmed the arrest in a statement Sunday.
Elite Blamed for Nigeria’s Security Crisis Plateau Governor
Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State has attributed Nigeria’s unrelenting insecurity to influential elites who exploit ethnic and religious divisions. Speaking at a Jos stakeholder dialogue on community policing, he emphasized that without accountability at the highest levels, local security measures will remain inadequate.
Fubara Says Peace Worth Any Sacrifice
Suspended Rivers Governor Siminalayi Fubara has pledged his commitment to the peace and stability of the state, telling supporters over the weekend that his reconciliation with former Governor Nyesom Wike was undertaken solely for the greater good of Rivers people.
PDP Factions to Hold Parallel NEC Meetings Amid Leadership Crisis
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has plunged deeper into crisis as rival factions prepare to conduct separate National Executive Committee (NEC) meetings today. The split highlights growing divisions over leadership legitimacy and compliance with INEC’s directives, threatening party cohesion ahead of upcoming elections.
Troops Kill Zamfara Terror Kingpin, Seize Terrorist Supplies in Borno
Defence Headquarters announced Sunday that troops of Operation Fasin Yamma have eliminated Mai Wada, a notorious terrorist commander in Zamfara State. Separately, soldiers in Monguno, Borno State, intercepted a vehicle transporting logistics supplies — including petrol and food — suspected for terrorist use.
Lagos Socialite Sues Police Over Alleged Harassment
Prominent Lagos socialite Gail Fajembola has filed a fundamental rights lawsuit against the Nigeria Police Force at the Federal High Court in Lagos, alleging continuous threats and harassment orchestrated on behalf of private individuals.
Dangote Refinery to Cut N1.7tn Costs with Direct Fuel Distribution
The Dangote Petroleum Refinery announced plans to save Nigerians over ₦1.7 trillion annually by distributing fuel directly to marketers using 4,000 newly acquired Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) trucks. The company said it has already invested over ₦720 billion in the initiative, aiming to reduce logistics costs and stabilize fuel prices nationwide.
Ondo Police Arrest Over 30 Kidnap Suspects in Six Months
The Ondo State Police Command disclosed it has arrested and prosecuted more than 30 confirmed kidnap suspects in the first half of 2025. Hundreds of other criminals, including armed robbers, were also apprehended during the tenure of outgoing Commissioner of Police, Wilfred Afolabi, according to a statement from police spokesman Olayinka Ayanlade.
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Top Stories: Terror Kingpin Down, Dangote’s Fuel Revolution, and Rising Political Tensions