Trump Declares U.S. Ban on Israeli Strikes in Lebanon

By: Naija prime media on April 17, 2026 / comment : 0

Trump made the declaration on Friday in a statement shared via his official social media platform, where he insisted that Israel must halt further attacks.

“Israel will not be bombing Lebanon any longer,” he wrote, adding, “They are PROHIBITED from doing so by the U.S.A. Enough is enough!!!”

In the same statement, the US president also claimed that the United States would take possession of what he referred to as nuclear “dust” produced during B-2 bomber missions, stressing that the arrangement would not involve any form of payment.

“The U.S.A. will get all Nuclear ‘Dust,’ created by our great B2 Bombers — No money will exchange hands in any way, shape, or form,” Trump stated.

He further clarified that the claimed arrangement was not connected to Lebanon. However, he noted that Washington would still engage separately with Lebanese authorities to address security matters, including the activities of Hezbollah.

“This deal is in no way subject to Lebanon, either, but the USA will, separately, work with Lebanon, and deal with the Hezbollah situation in an appropriate manner,” he added.

Trump’s remarks come at a time of rising tension across the Middle East, fueled by growing fears of instability and increased cross-border hostilities.

Meanwhile, Iran has reportedly announced the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz — a major global shipping route — in what may signal a possible easing of pressure on international oil supply and maritime trade.

The latest developments highlight shifting dynamics in the region as global powers continue to navigate escalating security and economic concerns.

JAMB to Release April 16 UTME Results Before Midnight Friday

By: Naija prime media on April 17, 2026 / comment : 0

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced that candidates who sat for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) on Thursday, April 16, will have their results released before midnight on Friday.

The disclosure was made in a statement shared on Friday through JAMB’s official X (formerly Twitter) account by its spokesperson, Fabian Benjamin.

According to the statement, JAMB informed candidates that, “All those who took the 2026 UTME on Thursday, 16th April 2026, should expect their results to be released today before midnight.”

Meanwhile, the examination body also reacted to reports circulating online claiming that a hijab-wearing candidate was prevented from writing the exam.

JAMB dismissed the allegation as misleading, explaining that the candidate was not denied access and was allowed to sit for the examination.

“The hijab candidate was allowed to sit for the examination, contrary to the impression being circulated,” the Board stated.

The Board further reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the fundamental rights of candidates, particularly the right to freedom of religion as guaranteed by the Nigerian Constitution.

Benjamin stressed that JAMB would not tolerate any form of discrimination based on religious beliefs, noting that no candidate would be denied the opportunity to take the examination because of their faith.

He also assured the public that the Board would continue to educate its officials, including staff and ad hoc personnel, on the need to respect candidates’ rights.

JAMB added that a formal announcement would be made on its official platforms once the results have been fully processed and released.

Bayelsa 60MW Power Plant Near Completion, Diri Assures Residents

By: Naija prime media on April 17, 2026 / comment : 0

Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has reassured residents that the state’s Independent Power Project is progressing steadily and has not failed, despite public insinuations suggesting otherwise.

The 60-megawatt gas-fired turbine power plant, installed by the Diri administration to provide round-the-clock electricity across the state, was among the projects commissioned on April 10, 2026, by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Speaking during the weekly Prosperity Walk at the Samson Siasia Sports Complex in Yenagoa on Thursday, the governor explained that the facility is currently undergoing final finishing touches, including the installation of critical protective devices needed to safeguard the turbines and the state’s investment.

In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Alabrah, Governor Diri appealed to Bayelsans to remain patient, assuring them that the project would soon be fully completed and operational.

The governor also expressed displeasure over individuals attempting to politicize the project, stressing that his administration remains focused on delivering reliable electricity for the people.

“We know that the people of Bayelsa will never forget the gas turbine project. Some people are talking about time and darkness, but there is nothing like darkness,” Diri said.

He added that the delay is strictly due to necessary protective installations, noting that once the devices are fully fitted, the turbines will commence operation.

“Certain protective devices must be placed on the turbines so that when they start operation, they will not be affected. Immediately the protective devices are fully installed, the turbines will come on,” he stated.

Gunmen Abduct UTME Candidates in Benue After Attacking Benue Links Bus in Otukpo

By: Naija prime media on April 16, 2026 / comment : 0

The incident occurred on Wednesday night, April 15, between 7:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., around the Burnt Bricks area along the Otukpo route in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State.

Eyewitness accounts revealed that the assailants stopped the vehicle, robbed passengers of their valuables, and forcefully marched them into a nearby forest. The bus was reportedly conveying about 18 passengers, most of whom were young men and women heading to Otukpo to sit for their JAMB examinations scheduled for Thursday.

It was gathered that only the driver and one passenger were able to escape during the attack.

Confirming the incident, the General Manager of Benue Links, Mr. Alexander Fanafa, disclosed that the driver has been arrested and is currently being questioned by police authorities in Otukpo for violating the company’s directive against night travel.

According to him, the transport company has a strict policy prohibiting journeys beyond 6:00 p.m., warning that any driver who flouts the rule would be treated as a key suspect in the event of any security incident.

He further explained that the driver reportedly loaded passengers after official working hours when the park manager had already closed operations.

The Chairman of Otukpo Local Government Council, Prince Maxwell Ogiri, also confirmed the attack, stating that security operatives have been deployed into the surrounding forests to rescue the abducted victims.

Benue State Commissioner of Police, Ifeanyi Emenari, also confirmed the incident but gave a different figure, stating that 14 passengers were abducted, while one person escaped. He added that he is currently in Otukpo personally leading the rescue operation alongside other security teams.

The police commissioner said investigations have begun to determine the circumstances surrounding the trip, especially as the transport company is known to restrict night journeys.

Security agencies have continued efforts to locate the kidnappers and secure the safe release of the abducted passengers.

Nigeria Police Extradites Murder and Drug Trafficking Suspect to UK, IGP Disu Reaffirms Commitment to Global Policing

By: Naija prime media on April 16, 2026 / comment : 0

NPF Extradites Fugitive to United Kingdom Over Murder and Drug Trafficking Allegations

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF), through the INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB) Abuja, has successfully facilitated the extradition of Matthew Chukwuemeka Adebiyi to the United Kingdom to face charges related to murder and drug trafficking.

The extradition followed a formal request submitted by authorities in the United Kingdom in September 2024, seeking the arrest and surrender of the fugitive over his alleged involvement in the murder of Joshua Boadu, which reportedly occurred on 18th June 2018. Following the incident, the suspect was alleged to have fled to Nigeria to evade arrest and prosecution.

In addition to the murder allegation, Adebiyi is also accused of being involved in the supply of crack cocaine, a Class-A controlled substance, between October 2017 and March 2018 within the United Kingdom.

Operatives of the INTERPOL NCB Abuja arrested the suspect on 23rd January 2025, after which extradition proceedings commenced at the Federal High Court, Lagos Judicial Division, under Suit No. FHC/L/CS/416/2025. On 16th February 2026, Honourable Justice A.O. Faji granted the application for extradition in line with the provisions of the Extradition Act, Cap E25, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

Following the court order and the issuance of a surrender warrant by the appropriate Nigerian authorities, the fugitive was formally handed over to law enforcement officials from the United Kingdom on 14th April 2026 at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos, for prosecution.

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc(+), NPM, has reiterated the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to strengthening international policing partnerships and ensuring that Nigeria will not serve as a safe haven for fugitives.

DCP ANTHONY OKON PLACID, psc(+), mni

Force Public Relations Officer

Force Headquarters, Abuja

16th April, 2026

FG Releases 2026 Flood Outlook, Warns Lagos, Bayelsa, Delta, Adamawa, Kebbi Among 33 States at High Risk

By: Naija prime media on April 15, 2026 / comment : 0

The flood prediction was unveiled on Wednesday by the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Joseph Utsev, during the public presentation of the AFO held at the Presidential Banquet Hall, Abuja. The event was organised by the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NiHSA) under the theme: “Smart Water Resources Management: Moving from Oil to Water-Based Economy.”

Utsev stressed that early warnings remain crucial in reducing the devastating impact of flooding, noting that timely information saves lives, protects infrastructure, and prevents major economic losses. He explained that the Federal Government is strengthening its flood forecasting capacity through the modernisation of hydrological monitoring systems across the country.

The minister also disclosed that his ministry is expanding collaboration with the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) to ensure improved integration of weather and water data, which is vital for delivering more reliable forecasts to farmers, urban planners, disaster managers, and other sectors.

According to him, the Annual Flood Outlook is not merely a scientific report but a national call to action, adding that forecasts will only be effective if communities and government institutions translate the warnings into practical preparedness.

The presentation was attended by President Bola Tinubu, who was represented by the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, alongside senior government officials, state representatives, development partners, security chiefs, and members of the media.

Flood Risk Highlights

Utsev revealed that the 2026 forecast identifies 14,118 communities across 266 Local Government Areas in 33 states and the FCT as being under high flood risk. The affected states include Abia, Adamawa, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, Enugu, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Lagos, Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Plateau, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe, Zamfara, and the FCT.

He also stated that 15,597 communities in 405 LGAs across 35 states—excluding Ekiti—are projected to experience moderate flood risk, while 923 communities in 77 LGAs across 24 states may face minimal flooding.

Flash Flood Warning in Major Cities

The minister warned that flash and urban flooding is expected in major cities due to heavy rainfall, poor drainage maintenance, blocked waterways, and weak flood-resilience infrastructure. Cities likely to experience this include Abuja, Lagos, Ibadan, Kano, Kaduna, Port Harcourt, Benin City, Warri, Sokoto, Calabar, Makurdi, Asaba, Abeokuta, Oshogbo, Onitsha, and Yola, among others.

Coastal Flooding Threat

He further noted that coastal and riverine flooding is projected in Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Lagos, Ogun, Rivers, Ondo, driven by rising sea levels and tidal surges. This could negatively affect fishing activities, wildlife habitats, and river transportation.

Utsev called on state governments, local councils, disaster management agencies, farmers, and community leaders to act quickly by reviewing the forecast and adopting preventive measures. He urged authorities to integrate flood risk planning into land-use policies, urban development, and infrastructure design.

He stressed that floodplains must be properly managed, drainage systems improved, and communities supported to adapt to changing climate conditions.

NiHSA Introduces AI-Integrated Flood Modelling

Earlier, NiHSA’s Director-General, Umar Ibrahim Mohammed, said the 2026 Annual Flood Outlook aligns with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly in areas of climate resilience, food security, sustainable water management, and infrastructure development.

He revealed that NiHSA has upgraded from traditional flood forecasting to a Flood Risk Intelligence Architecture, supported by a Hybrid AI-Integrated Modelling System, designed to improve accuracy, reduce false alarms, and enhance early warning lead time.

Mohammed also disclosed that the flood modelling for 2026 was conducted fully in-house, marking a strategic shift towards improving manpower development and institutional resilience.

He added that NiHSA’s Flood Dashboard has now been upgraded into a Decision-Support Geo-Intelligence System, enabling real-time visualisation of flood scenarios. The system is also integrated with a Flood Mobile App, supported by NiHSA flood marshals who respond to public inquiries.

NiMet Pledges Continued Collaboration

In a goodwill message, NiMet’s Director-General, Prof. Charles Anosike, acknowledged the continued devastation caused by flooding across Nigeria and other African nations.

He commended NiHSA for strengthening flood predictions and assured that NiMet would continue working closely with the agency to enhance early warnings and support national flood management efforts.