President Bola Tinubu has approved the constitution of the Nigerian side of the US-Nigeria Joint Working Group as part of measures to strengthen collaboration with the United States in addressing security challenges in the country.

The formation of the team followed a recent visit to Washington DC by a high-level Nigerian delegation led by the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.

Troops of the 12 Brigade, Nigerian Army, have repelled bandits and rescued a kidnapped victim during an operation around Oshokoshoko and Obajana in the Lokoja Local Government Area of Kogi State.

A statement issued early Wednesday by the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 12 Brigade, Lokoja, Lieutenant Hassan Abdulahi, said the operation was part of ongoing efforts to combat banditry, kidnapping, and other violent crimes across the state.

The Ondo State Security Network Agency, also known as Amotekun, has arrested 34 suspected criminals at different locations across the 18 local government areas of the state.
The corps said the suspects were allegedly involved in some criminal activities such as kidnapping, stealing, violation of the anti-grazing law and burglary, among others.

The Ondo State Police Command has arrested two students of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, over an alleged conspiracy and rape of a 20-year-old student.

Police spokesperson, DSP Olushola Ayanlade, confirmed the arrest in a statement on Monday, saying the incident underscores the command’s strengthened capacity to tackle serious crimes.

States across the country owe contractors and retirees a combined N1.06tn in outstanding obligations despite receiving record revenue inflows in 2024, according to new data from BudgIT’s 2025 State of States report.

The organisation found that contractor arrears amounted to N434.87bn, while pension and gratuity arrears stood at N626.81bn, bringing total unpaid obligations to N1.06tn. The figures underline persistent fiscal stress at the subnational level, even in a year when federal allocations more than doubled and many states reported higher internal revenues.