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NIGERIAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION (NMA), RIVERS STATE BRANCH MOURNS.The attention of the State Officers Committee (SOC), NMA ...
12/08/2026

NIGERIAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION (NMA), RIVERS STATE BRANCH MOURNS.

The attention of the State Officers Committee (SOC), NMA Rivers State Branch, was brought earlier today to the case of a missing colleague, Dr. Stephen Vanman, who was said to have gone to work at a private hospital, the name of which is presently unknown. Upon receiving this information, the NMA Rivers State leadership, led by Dr. (Prof.) Ureh Oparaodu, immediately swung into action and contacted the relatives and roommates of Dr. Stephen Vanman. The family informed the Association that he had been unreachable since Saturday night.

The SOC, accompanied the family of the deceased to Mini-Okoro Police Station, Rumuobiakani, Port Harcourt, where they were informed that the body of Dr. Stephen Vanman was found lying lifeless at Market Junction, by Aba Road, Port Harcourt, on Sunday morning, August 9, 2026, by personnel of the Nigerian Police Force, and was subsequently deposited to the mortuary. The SOC also accompanied the family to the mortuary, where the co**se was inspected and confirmed.

Dr. Stephen Vanman was a Medical Officer who completed his compulsory Housemanship at University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH) earlier this year and was engaged in private practicel.

The NMA Rivers State Branch is deeply saddened by this tragic loss and extends its heartfelt condolences to his family, loved ones, friends and colleagues.

NMA Rivers State will work closely with the security agencies and provide every necessary information within its capacity to support the investigation and ensure that the perpetrators of this heinous crime are apprehended and brought to justice.

We pray that God Almighty will comfort and strengthen the family at this very difficult moment. May the soul of our departed colleague, Dr. Stephen Vanman, rest in perfect peace.

Signed:
Dr. Diamond Tonye-Obene
Secretary, NMA Rivers State Branch.

August 11, 2026

FUBARA, NOT AT LOGGERHEADS WITH RIVERS STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY The attention of the Rivers State Government has been dra...
12/08/2026

FUBARA, NOT AT LOGGERHEADS WITH RIVERS STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY

The attention of the Rivers State Government has been drawn to a news item published in some national dailies and online platforms insinuating that there is a disagreement between the Executive and Legislative arms of the Rivers State Government over the 2026 Appropriation Bill.

We wish to make it abundantly clear that His Excellency, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, is not at loggerheads with members of the Rivers State House of Assembly, but rather working closely with them to serve the good people of Rivers State.

The 2026 Budget proposal has been presented to the House of Assembly; it is going through the normal legislative process and we strongly believe that once the process is completed, it will be passed by the lawmakers.

The Rivers State Government has gone through difficult times in the past and is not prepared to be dragged into another round of controversies. We therefore advise all those bent on promoting negative narratives to desist from such actions forthwith as we need peace and harmony to ensure steady development of Rivers State.

Onwuka Nzeshi
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor
August 12, 2026.

FIBA U-18 AfroBasket Women Job done. Nigeria 🇳🇬 books semi-finals ticket
12/08/2026

FIBA U-18 AfroBasket Women

Job done.

Nigeria 🇳🇬 books semi-finals ticket

SUSTAINED OPERATIONAL PRESSURE TRIGGERS 213 PER CENT RISE IN TERRORISTS' SURRENDERThe sustained operations by troops of ...
12/08/2026

SUSTAINED OPERATIONAL PRESSURE TRIGGERS 213 PER CENT RISE IN TERRORISTS' SURRENDER

The sustained operations by troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have continued to record results across the North East Theatre of Operations, with a notable increase in the number of terrorist fighters and associates surrendering to troops over the past one week. The operations, which include coordinated ground actions, engagements against identified terrorist positions and disruption of terrorist logistics and supply routes, are being conducted to degrade the operational capabilities of terrorist elements and restrict their freedom of action across the theatre.

During the period under review, the Theatre recorded a 213 per cent increase in terrorist surrenders compared with the preceding week. The development followed continued military operations against terrorist positions and logistics networks in various locations across the theatre. The increased number of surrenders reflects a growing number of terrorist fighters and associates opting to abandon terrorist activities and submit to established surrender procedures.

In a further manifestation of this emerging trend, two high-profile terrorist members surrendered to troops today, bringing with them arms, ammunition and other military items. The recovery of these weapons and ammunition further reinforces indications that sustained military pressure is having a significant effect on the cohesion, morale and operational sustainability of terrorist elements. The development is equally indicative of the diminishing capacity of terrorist elements to retain their fighters and sustain prolonged operations.

In a related development, other terrorist members surrendered to troops of 202 Battalion in Bama on 7 August 2026 at New Abaram, following sustained military operations and internal disagreements within the terrorist enclave. The group was subsequently screened, with mobile phones and other items recovered from them, before being handed over for further action in accordance with established procedures. The surrender further demonstrates the growing impact of sustained operational pressure and internal fractures within terrorist ranks.

The increasing frequency of surrenders underscores the effectiveness of the Theatre’s multi-dimensional approach, which combines offensive ground operations, precision engagements and systematic disruption of terrorist logistics and supply networks. By denying terrorists the opportunity to freely manoeuvre, regroup and replenish, troops continue to restrict their operational options and undermine their ability to sustain terrorist activities. The trend therefore represents more than isolated individual decisions, but the cumulative impact of sustained pressure and the gradual erosion of terrorist capability, cohesion and willingness to continue the fight.

Operation HADIN KAI remains resolute in sustaining legitimate military pressure against terrorist elements while providing appropriate channels for those who elect to surrender. The objective remains clear: to further degrade terrorist capabilities, restore security and create the conditions necessary for lasting peace and stability across the North East. The Theatre Command urges members of the public to continue supporting ongoing military operations by providing timely and credible information to security agencies, while encouraging terrorists and their associates to abandon violence and take advantage of available surrender channels.

MOHAMMED GONI
Captain
Acting Military Information Officer
Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI
MAIDUGURI
12 August, 2026

EDUCATION COMMISSIONER CAUTIONS ETCHE YOUTHS AGAINST VANDALISING SCHOOLS~~~As Ogbakor Etche Executives Set to Sensitise ...
11/08/2026

EDUCATION COMMISSIONER CAUTIONS ETCHE YOUTHS AGAINST VANDALISING SCHOOLS

~~~As Ogbakor Etche Executives Set to Sensitise Students Against Social Vices.

The Rivers State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Peters Nwagor, has expressed concern over the vandalisation and theft of property belonging to primary and secondary schools by some youths in Etche Local Government Area of the State.

The Commissioner stated this today when the executives of Ogbakor Etche, led by its President-General, Dr. Silas Anyanwu, paid him a courtesy visit in his office in Port Harcourt.

Dr. Nwagor urged the leadership of Ogbakor Etche to engage Royal Highnesses, community chiefs and other stakeholders in their respective communities to caution youths against vandalising and carting away school property, including electrical installations and other essential facilities.

He noted that the continued destruction and theft of school property were negatively affecting the smooth operation of the affected schools and undermining efforts by the State Government to provide a conducive learning environment for students.

The Commissioner also commended the leadership of Ogbakor Etche for promoting quality education in Etche by encouraging winners of National science fair/project exhibition (CSS Igbo Etche) during the 2025 Stan Quiz competition held in Abeokuta.

Earlier in his remarks, the President-General of Ogbakor Etche, Dr. Silas Anyanwu, said that upon assumption of office, his executive identified a number of negative trends and social vices among youths in Etche.

He disclosed that the organisation had resolved to embark on a sensitisation tour of secondary schools across Etche to educate students on the dangers of cultism, internet fraud, popularly known as “Yahoo Yahoo”, and other social vices. Dr. Anyanwu further explained that the sensitisation programme would also focus on the importance of education, good moral values and responsible citizenship.

He appealed to the Ministry of Education to deploy more teachers to schools in Etche, noting that some schools were currently experiencing shortages of teaching personnel. He said the situation had compelled some communities to engage the services of volunteer or helping teachers to bridge the gap.

In her vote of thanks, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Her Excellency, Dr. Mina Tele Ikuru, urged youths to take ownership of government properties located in their communities and protect them for the benefit of present and future generations, rather than vandalising or stealing them.

Dr. Ikuru commended the leadership of Ogbakor Etche for identifying with the Honourable Commissioner and, by extension, the Ministry of Education, describing the initiative to sensitise students against social vices as a laudable one.

She wished the executives of Ogbakor Etche success in their efforts to promote education, good morals and responsible conduct among youths in Etche.

PRESS RELEASERIVERS STATE POLICE COMMANDRIVERS POLICE COMMENCES STRICT ENFORCEMENT OF OPERATION VELVETThe Rivers State P...
11/08/2026

PRESS RELEASE
RIVERS STATE POLICE COMMAND

RIVERS POLICE COMMENCES STRICT ENFORCEMENT OF OPERATION VELVET

The Rivers State Police Command has commenced the immediate and strict enforcement of OPERATION VELVET, aimed at ensuring compliance with all existing traffic laws and regulations across the State, in line with the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc(+), NPM.

The enforcement exercise OPERATION VELVET will commence on 17th August, 2026, following the growing disregard for traffic rules, resulting in gridlocks, obstruction of traffic flow and avoidable risks to the lives of road users.

The Commissioner of Police, Rivers State Command, CP Olugbenga Adepoju, psc, mnips, fcai, has directed all Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers and Tactical Commanders to ensure full compliance and effective enforcement of OPERATION VELVET within their respective areas of responsibility.

Traffic offenders will face appropriate sanctions in accordance with the law, including arrest, impoundment of vehicles and prosecution where necessary.

The Commissioner of Police has issued a strong warning to all officers deployed for OPERATION VELVET to strictly avoid any form of extortion, harassment, intimidation, abuse of office, or other unprofessional conduct during the enforcement exercise. He stressed that officers must carry out their duties professionally, responsibly, and in full compliance with the law while respecting the fundamental human rights and dignity of all members of the public.

He further cautioned that any officer found guilty of extortion, brutality, misconduct or abuse of office will face strict disciplinary action.

CP Adepoju urges motorists, commercial drivers, tricycle operators, motorcyclists and other road users to obey traffic laws, cooperate with police personnel and desist from acts capable of causing traffic obstruction or endangering lives.

🚨 EMERGENCY & COMPLAINT CONTACTS

Members of the public are encouraged to promptly report traffic-related emergencies, police concerns, human rights violations, extortion, misconduct or other incidents requiring urgent intervention through the following official lines:

Complaint Response Unit (CRU):
📞 07057605209
📞 07057605256
📞 08120822987
📞 07072323049

Police Control Room:
📞 08032003514

The Rivers State Police Command remains committed to the effective implementation of OPERATION VELVET, safer roads, free-flowing traffic, effective policing, respect for human rights and the protection of lives and property.

YOUR SAFETY MATTERS AND YOUR COOPERATION MAKES A DIFFERENCE.

ASP AGABE BLESSING KABORLO, Anipr, Esq.
Police Public Relations Officer
For: Commissioner of Police
Rivers State Police Command

College of Health Sciences Honours Vice-Chancellor with Grand Reception, Seeks Greater Support for GrowthThe College of ...
10/08/2026

College of Health Sciences Honours Vice-Chancellor with Grand Reception, Seeks Greater Support for Growth

The College of Health Sciences, University of Port Harcourt, on Monday, August 10, 2026, organised a grand reception in honour of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Chike Princewill, to congratulate him on his appointment and celebrate one of its distinguished members.

The colourful event, which brought together principal officers, professors,and staff, provided an opportunity for the College community to reaffirm its support for the Vice-Chancellor and express confidence in his leadership.

Speaking at the reception, Professor Chike Princewill appreciated the College for the warm honour accorded him, describing the gesture as a demonstration of unity and shared commitment to the continued advancement of the University.

The Vice-Chancellor assured the College of his commitment to supporting initiatives that will strengthen teaching, learning, research, and healthcare delivery. He specifically pledged his support towards the construction of a befitting College Building to provide a conducive environment for academic and professional activities.

Professor Princewill stressed that all hands must be on deck to move the College to greater heights, noting that collective effort and strategic collaboration would be critical in achieving its aspirations.

He also expressed optimism that the admission quota for the Department of Medicine and Surgery in the College would be increased from the current 150, saying the University would continue to engage relevant authorities to expand access to medical education while maintaining high academic standards.

The Vice-Chancellor further challenged members of the College to attract investors, development partners, and other stakeholders whose support would enhance infrastructure, research, innovation, and capacity development.

Earlier, the Provost of the College of Health Sciences,.Prof Ngozi Ekeke appealed to the Vice-Chancellor to continue to prioritise the affairs of the College, expressing confidence that his administration would address its critical needs and further strengthen its position as one of Nigeria's leading medical training institutions.

In separate goodwill messages, senior professors and distinguished members of the College took turns to shower encomiums on the Vice-Chancellor, describing him as an accomplished scholar, an outstanding administrator, and a worthy ambassador of the College. They pledged their unwavering support and cooperation to ensure the success of his administration.

OBIO/AKPOR COUNCIL DISSOLVES ALL TRANSPORT-RELATED TASK FORCE UNITS, TRAFFIC DECONGESTION COMMITTEE AND MONITORING TEAMS...
10/08/2026

OBIO/AKPOR COUNCIL DISSOLVES ALL TRANSPORT-RELATED TASK FORCE UNITS, TRAFFIC DECONGESTION COMMITTEE AND MONITORING TEAMS

The Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Hon. Dr. Gift Worlu, has announced the immediate dissolution of all transport-related task forces, committees, or monitoring teams on road decongestion and enforcement of daily ticket payment operating in Obio/Akpor Local Government. This dissolution covers both task forces and committees consitituted by the Council and the transport Unions.

The decision is part of the Council’s ongoing efforts to reorganise and reposition its operations and the operations of transport Unions and motorists, particularly in the management of traffic and the broader transport sector, with a view to ensuring a more professional, orderly and efficient system.

By this notice, all activities of task forces, committees, and monitoring teams, traffic decongestion teams, Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIOs) and other transport-related agencies operating under the authority of the Obio/Akpor Local Government Council are hereby dissolved with immediate effect, till further notice.

The Council further assures residents, motorists and commuters of its commitment to addressing reported cases of harassment, intimidation and other forms of misconduct associated with the activities of some task force personnel.

The Chairman has assured that, working with security agencies, the transport Union, and relavant stakeholders, and within the shortest possible time, appropriate measures be put in place to establish a more effective and coordinated system that will promote order, accountability and respect for the rights of residents within the Local Government Area.

The Chairman However, warns all unauthorized persons popularly known as “Agbero”found along strategic junctions parading themselves as taskforce officials,harassing and intimidating residents and commuters to relocate from the LGA as their presence will no longer be tolerated by the council.

Hon. Dr. Worlu therefore urges residents and commuters to remain calm and go about their lawful daily activities without fear, assuring them that the Council in collaboration with relevant security agencies will continue to prioritise the protection of lives and property, and the maintenance of peace and order across Obio/Akpor.

Signed:
Nsirim Goodluck
Chief Press Secretary,
Obio/Akpor Local Government Area
10/08/2026.

TROOPS OF OPERATION UDO KA ARREST FLEEING KIDNAPPING SYNDICATE COMMANDER, RECOVER ARMS IN ENUGUTroops of 82 Division/Joi...
10/08/2026

TROOPS OF OPERATION UDO KA ARREST FLEEING KIDNAPPING SYNDICATE COMMANDER, RECOVER ARMS IN ENUGU

Troops of 82 Division/Joint Task Force South East, Operation UDO KA, in collaboration with operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), have recorded another major operational breakthrough with the arrest of a notorious kidnapping syndicate commander and the recovery of four AK-47 rifles, seven magazines and 133 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition from a forest hideout in Enugu State.

The suspect was apprehended during a coordinated intelligence-led operation in the Gariki General Area of Enugu State, following sustained efforts to dismantle the criminal syndicate responsible for the abduction of two persons in Udi Local Government Area on 2 August 2026. The arrest followed an earlier operation in which troops neutralised one member of the syndicate and apprehended another. Subsequent exploitation of the arrested suspect yielded critical intelligence that led to the identification of the fleeing syndicate commander and the location of the group's concealed arms cache.

Acting swiftly on the intelligence, troops intensified the manhunt, leading to the tracking, interception and arrest of the fleeing syndicate commander as he attempted to escape from Enugu State. Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspect is linked to several kidnapping activities across the South East and North Central regions. Items recovered from him include US$1,000, ₦785,900 in cash and other incriminating items.

Further exploitation of intelligence obtained from the arrested suspects led troops to Umuchingu Ujenike Forest, where members of the syndicate had concealed their weapons. During the follow-up operation troops successfully recovered four AK-47 rifles, seven AK-47 magazines and 133 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition from the forest hideout.

The successful operations further demonstrate the effectiveness of intelligence-driven joint operations in disrupting organised criminal networks, apprehending fleeing suspects and denying criminal elements access to weapons and safe havens. The arrested syndicate commander is currently undergoing further interrogation to facilitate follow-on operations aimed at apprehending other members of the criminal network and their collaborators.

The Joint Task Force, Operation UDO KA, in collaboration with other security agencies, remains steadfast in sustaining aggressive, intelligence-led operations against criminal elements across the South East. Troops will continue to pursue all those who threaten the peace and security of law-abiding citizens while ensuring a safe and secure environment for socio-economic activities to flourish throughout the region.

OLABISI OLALEKAN AYENI
Lieutenant Colonel
Acting Deputy Director Army Public Relations
82 Division Nigerian Army
10 August 2026

IGP DISU DEPLOYS COMMISSIONERS OF POLICE TO COMMANDS, STRATEGIC FORMATIONSThe Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji ...
06/08/2026

IGP DISU DEPLOYS COMMISSIONERS OF POLICE TO COMMANDS, STRATEGIC FORMATIONS

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc(+), NPM, has approved the deployment of Commissioners of Police to State Commands and strategic formations across the country following the approval of his recommendations by the Police Service Commission. The deployment is aimed at strengthening operational effectiveness, enhancing leadership across Commands and formations, and consolidating the ongoing reform and repositioning of the Nigeria Police Force.

The newly deployed Commissioners of Police to State Commands are as follows; CP Abia; CP Afolabi Wilfred Olutokunbo, CP Plateau; CP Ayodeji Faniyan, fdc, CP Bayelsa; CP Saka Adewale Ajao, CP Cross River; CP Ajo Geofrey Ordue, CP Anambra; CP Nanna Oji Ama, CP Edo; CP Patrick Daaor, CP Jigawa; CP Tani Murtala, and CP Delta; CP Samuel Erale.

Other approved deployments are as follows; CP Intelligence & Training, Force Intelligence Department (FID), Abuja; CP Yemi John Oyeniyi, CP INTERPOL, Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), Abuja; CP Charles Ezekwesiri D**e, CP Department of Finance and Administration (DFA), Department of Training and Development (DTD), Force Headquarters (FHQ), Abuja; CP Aina Adesola, CP Anti-Human Trafficking (AHT), Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Alagbon, Lagos; CP Uduak Ita Otu, CP General Investigation (G.I), Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), Abuja; CP Abdullateef Ajape Yusuf, CP Counter Terrorism Unit (CTU), Force Headquarters, Abuja; CP Taiwo A. Adedeji, CP Anti-Human Trafficking (AHT), Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), Abuja; CP Ajayi Oluyemi, CP Department of Finance and Administration (DFA), Force Headquarters, Abuja; CP Bolanle Aremu, CP Inspectorate, Department of Training and Development (DTD), Force Headquarters, Abuja; CP Ibrahim Lukunche Usman, Deputy Commandant, Police Staff College (PSC), Jos; CP Mohammed Hassan Ahmed, CP Department of Finance and Administration (DFA), Force Headquarters Annex, Lagos; CP Rita Oyintare Oki, CP Administration, Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Kaduna; CP Ibrahim Umar D. Zungura, CP Training & Courses, Police Academy (P***C), Kano; CP Nelson Nwamana, CP Administration, Force Intelligence Department (FID), Force Headquarters, Abuja; CP Akingbade C. Adeyinka, CP Training, Department of Training and Development (DTD), Force Headquarters, Abuja; CP Iya Umar Mohammed, CP Anti-Fraud, Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Kaduna; CP Darma Nuhu Na'aliyu, CP Welfare, Department of Finance and Administration (DFA), Force Headquarters, Abuja; CP Mohammed Yakubu, and CP Administration, Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Gombe; CP Danbaba Mohammed Labbo.

The Inspector-General of Police has charged the affected senior officers to bring their wealth of experience to bear in their new assignments by strengthening intelligence-led policing, enhancing operational effectiveness, promoting professionalism, and deepening community engagement in line with the vision of the Force. He urged them to remain steadfast in safeguarding lives and property while upholding the highest standards of discipline, accountability, and service delivery.

The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to strategic personnel deployments as a key component of its ongoing reforms aimed at enhancing operational efficiency, strengthening internal capacity, and delivering more effective policing services to all Nigerians.

CSP Ani Iniedu, anipr
Force Public Relations Officer
Force Headquarters, Abuja
6th August, 2026

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