Ideal Reporters

DHQ Clarifies CDS’ Statement On Self-Protection Skills The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed claims that the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa, called on Nigerians to bear arms, clarifying that his recent comments were misinterpreted. In a statement issued on Friday, 22 August 2025, Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, explained that General Musa’s remarks during a Channels Television interview on 20 August were aimed at encouraging citizens to acquire basic survival and self-protection skills, not firearms. “The CDS did not call for citizens to bear arms or to engage in unlawful possession of firearms,” the statement read. “His message was intended to promote personal resilience, situational awareness and lawful preparedness—not to encourage illegal activity.” General Musa had likened self-protection skills to widely accepted life skills such as driving, swimming, taekwondo, judo and boxing. The DHQ reiterated t...

FG Moves to Relocate Mangar Community for Completion of Farin Ruwa Dam Project …as Governor Sule calls for timely execution The Federal Government has commenced plans to relocate Mangar community in Wamba Local Government Area of Nasarawa State to pave the way for the completion of the Farin Ruwa Multipurpose Dam Project. This was disclosed by the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engr. Prof. Joseph Utsev, during a courtesy visit to Governor Abdullahi Sule at the Government House, Lafia, on Thursday. The Minister, represented by Engr. Ali Ibrahim Dallah, Director of Dams and Reservoirs, explained that the relocation has become necessary as the project has reached 42 percent completion and the dam’s water storage would eventually submerge the settlement. “The purpose of the project is to generate 20 megawatts of hydroelectricity, provide safe drinking water, irrigation for agriculture, flood control, and create opportunities for recreation and tourism,” the Ministe...

Police Arrest 65-Year-Old Man With Over 1,000 Rounds Of Ammunition In Anambra The Anambra State Police Command has arrested a 65-year-old man for unlawful possession of over 1,000 rounds of live ammunition in the state. The arrest was made during an intelligence-led operation aimed at curbing the proliferation of illegal arms and ammunition in the region. Security operatives recovered a large cache of red shotgun cartridges, ammunition boxes, and related items during the raid. According to reports, the suspect was apprehended after operatives traced suspicious arms movements in the area. The seized items have been taken into custody as part of ongoing investigations to uncover the source and intended use of the ammunition. The State Police Command has assured residents that it remains committed to tackling gun-related crimes and dismantling criminal networks across Anambra.

Bill To Convert Lagos Local Council Development Areas Into Local Government Areas Scales Second Reading The House of Representatives has passed for second reading a bill seeking to convert the 37 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in Lagos State into constitutionally recognized Local Government Areas (LGAs). If fully approved, Lagos will officially have 57 LGAs, up from the current 20. This will also increase Nigeria’s total LGAs from 774 to 811. The bill, which is part of the ongoing constitutional amendment process, scaled through the second reading during Tuesday’s plenary session presided over by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu. Lawmakers backing the proposal said the measure would strengthen grassroots governance, enhance resource allocation, and bring government closer to the people. It would be recalled that the LCDAs in Lagos State were created in 2003 by then-Governor Bola Ahmed Tinubu to bring governance closer to the people and improve service delivery. However...

Parents Call For Regulation On Sales Of Text Books By Schools Parents in Nasarawa State have called on the government to regulate the sale and purchase of textbooks in schools, citing financial strain and exploitation. Dr. Akyala Ishaku, who made the appeal on behalf of parents, urged the Ministry of Education to take decisive action, particularly against the trend in private schools. In a public statement directed to the Commissioner of Education, Hon. John D.W Mamman, he wrote: "Dear Commissioner of Education Nasarawa State Ministry of Education. On behalf of Parents. Kindly regulate buying textbooks every term by parents from private schools. Proliferated schools are using this avenue to extort parents. Kindly bring out the lists of recommended books for every session to be procured by parents, please. Thank you." Parents argue that while some schools, especially private ones, compel families to purchase new textbooks every term, such practices have become expl...

Suspected Kidnappers Involved In Crash After Alleged Ransom Collection In Kokona, Nasarawa State  A dramatic incident occurred on Monday morning in Angwan Mayo, Kokona Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, when suspected kidnappers were involved in an accident shortly after allegedly collecting ransom. According to eyewitnesses, the suspects were fleeing the area when their Peugeot 406 vehicle, reportedly loaded with firearms, crashed. They abandoned the car, leaving behind money and weapons, and managed to escape before security forces arrived. Confirming the development, Dr. Akyala Ishaku stated: "On our way to work this morning, kidnappers collected ransom and had accident at Angwan Mayo around Kokona with their Peugeot 406 loaded with guns. Unfortunately they escaped leaving money and guns in their car. Thanks to Nigeria Army and Nigeria Police for prompt response." Security operatives, including the Nigerian Army and Police, swiftly took control of the sce...

As Keffi–Nasarawa Road Crumbles, Residents Urge Governor Sule To o Act The worsening condition of the Keffi–Nasarawa Road has once again come under intense public scrutiny, with growing calls for the Nasarawa State Government, under the leadership of Governor Abdullahi A. Sule, to intervene without delay. Originally constructed as a strategic link connecting Northern Nigeria — from Abuja and Benue — to the Southeast and Southwest, the road has now become a nightmare for commuters, traders, health workers, and motorists. As one of the state’s busiest corridors for the movement of people, goods, and services, its steady decline poses grave risks to both lives and livelihoods. Observers describe the situation as “painful,” pointing out the irony that the same route hosts the nation’s largest lithium processing plant, as well as research institutes, institutions of learning, bustling markets, and thriving agricultural and solid mineral activities. Despite this, the road that un...