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RAW News, Uyo (2026)

10/04/2026

INDEPENDENT NATIONAL ELECTORAL COMMISSION (INEC)
PRESS STATEMENT

POSTPONEMENT OF NATIONWIDE VOTER REVALIDATION EXERCISE

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) held a meeting with the Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) today, Friday, 10th April 2026, during which, among other issues, the proposed nationwide voter revalidation exercise was considered.

Following deliberations, the Commission resolved to postpone the exercise until after the 2027 General Election.

The voter revalidation exercise is a critical component of the Commission’s mandate to maintain a credible and up-to-date National Register of Voters. It is designed to verify and review existing voter records, ensure the accuracy of personal data, eliminate duplicate and ineligible entries, and strengthen the overall integrity of the voter register. The exercise also aims to provide an opportunity for registered voters to confirm their details and make necessary corrections where required.

INEC remains committed to the conduct of free, fair, credible, and inclusive elections.

Mohammed Kudu Haruna
National Commissioner,
Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee.
10th April 2026

09/04/2026

JUST IN:

🇮🇷 Iran rejects US and Israeli demands to restrict its uranium enrichment program.

09/04/2026

BREAKING: IDF ELIMINATES HEZBOLLAH-ALIGNED COMMANDER IN LEBANON

An Israeli strike in Sidon killed Maher Qassem Hamdan, a senior commander in the Hezbollah-backed Lebanese Resistance Brigades.

Eight other operatives were eliminated alongside him.

According to the IDF, Hamdan was responsible for recruiting fighters, supplying weapons, and funding operations in the Shebaa area near Israel’s border.

The group is funded, trained, and armed by Hezbollah.

They fled from Shebaa to Sidon.
They didn’t make it.

09/04/2026

Sen. Akpabio’s daughter announced as State Director of City Boy Movement

The National leadership of the City Boy Movement has appointed Miss Iniabasi Godswill Akpabio, daughter of the Senate President as its State Director in Akwa Ibom.

The appointment was confirmed in a terse statement on the Movement’s verified X handle on Thursday, and forms part of efforts to expand the Movement’s grassroots presence and strengthen youth-focused programmes across the South-South region.

According to the statement, the Movement in the state is set for unprecedented impact under the leadership of Iniabasi Akpabio.

The statement reads: “Introducing the Akwa Ibom State Director of the City Boy Movement. Iniabasi Godswill Akpabio. With her at the helm in Akwa Ibom, the movement is set for unprecedented impact.”

09/04/2026

Iranian source: Strait of Hormuz traffic capped under ceasefire

A senior Iranian source says the ceasefire agreement limits vessel traffic through the Strait of Hormuz to just 15 ships per day.

28/02/2026

JUST IN:

🇸🇦🇮🇷 Saudi Arabia strongly condemns Iranian strikes at US military bases in the Middle East.

27/02/2026

SAFETY AUDIT : STRENGTHENING WORKPLACE DISCIPLINE & ENHANCING SAFETY THROUGH BIOMETRIC AUDIT

As part of our ongoing reforms to strengthen staff discipline, enhance workplace safety, and improve operational accountability within the Ministry of Health, I have commenced the deployment of a biometric attendance and electronic access control system at the Ministry’s headquarters.
This initiative was highlighted during a recent safety audit visit by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Health, Safety and Environment, Mrs. Jayne Ufot, and her team of seasoned safety professionals.

Let me sincerely commend His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno, Ph.D., for consistently elevating safety issues to the front burner of governance in Akwa Ibom State. His unwavering commitment to institutional responsibility and safe work environments continues to set a high standard across the public service. This reform aligns squarely with that vision.

The biometric monitoring system, which is currently being test-run at the Ministry’s headquarters, is designed to regulate access into the building, track staff attendance in real time, and improve emergency response coordination. Both entrances to the Ministry are now fitted with electronic access doors linked to an automated time-book system. Staff members are required to use their personalized identification cards to unlock the doors and verify their presence through biometric thumbprint authentication upon entry and exit.

In practical terms, when a staff member arrives at the Ministry, their ID card activates the automated doors, and their thumbprint records the time of arrival. The same process applies upon exit. In the event of an emergency or security concern, we are able to determine who was present at any given time and who granted access. This initiative is therefore not merely about discipline; it is fundamentally about safety, accountability, and preparedness.

While the overwhelming majority of our health professionals remain diligent and deeply committed to service, we must acknowledge that isolated cases of truancy can pose serious challenges—particularly within health facilities where absenteeism can directly impact patient care. This system will allow for remote monitoring of attendance across facilities once fully implemented, reducing the need for physical supervision while ensuring strict adherence to work schedules.

We plan to expand this reform in phases to our General Hospitals and Primary Healthcare Centres across the State, thereby entrenching a culture of responsibility and reliability throughout the health system.

I must also express my appreciation to Mrs. Jayne Ufot and her safety team for their professionalism, diligence, and constructive engagement during the audit. Their visit forms part of a broader effort to institutionalize a culture of safety across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies in line with the Governor’s directive. I commend their structured approach and the high level of expertise they brought to the exercise.

During the inspection, which was attended by all Directors of the Ministry, the team conducted a thorough assessment of our facility, followed by a post-audit briefing where observations were reviewed and corrective measures discussed. I am pleased that the overall condition and operational outlook of the Ministry met expected safety standards. The only observation raised was the need to verify the service status of a fire extinguisher to ensure optimal emergency preparedness—an issue we are already addressing.
Mrs. Ufot also informed us that upon completion of the onboarding process for newly recruited Safety Officers, two officers will be deployed to each Ministry. I am confident that their periodic safety briefings, routine inspections, and continuous sensitization efforts will further strengthen compliance and deepen our safety culture.

At the Ministry of Health, we remain committed to building institutions that are disciplined, secure, transparent, and patient-centered. Through technology-driven reforms and strong collaboration with the Governor’s safety team, we are taking deliberate steps to ensure that our workplaces are not only efficient, but safe and accountable for all.

25/02/2026

Ag. IGP OLATUNJI DISU ASSUMES DUTY AS THE 23RD INDIGENOUS INSPECTOR-GENERAL OF POLICE

Ag. IGP Olatunji Ridwan Disu psc has assumed duty as the 23rd indigenous Inspector-General of Police. He takes over from IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun (Rtd) PhD, NPM who served meritoriously as the 22nd Indigenous Inspector-General of Police from 19th June 2023 to 24th February 2026.

The Acting Inspector-General of Police, born on 13th April, 1966, hails from Lagos Island Local Government Area of Lagos State. His educational qualifications include: MSC Entrepreneurship, NOUN (2023); MSC Criminology, Security and Legal Psychology, LASU (2022); Advanced Diploma in Forensic Investigation and Criminal Intelligence, UNILAG (2019), MSC, Public Administration, Adekunle Ajasin University (2010), PGD International Relations and Strategic Studies, LASU (2000) and B.A English (Education), LASU (1990).

He joined the Nigeria Police Force as a Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police on 18th May, 1992, and brings to the office a wealth of operational, investigative, intelligence, and administrative experience garnered over decades of distinguished service in various strategic capacities across the country. Until his appointment, he was Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG), Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) Annex, Alagbon, Lagos.

Some of his other notable past postings include:

• Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG)
Special Protection Unit (SPU), Force Headquarters, Abuja

• Commissioner of Police, FCT Police Command, October

• Commissioner of Police (CP), Rivers State Police Command, November

• Commissioner of Police, Admin and Intelligence, Force Intelligence Bureau (FIB)

• Deputy Commissioner of Police Head, Intelligence Response Team (IRT)

• Commander, Rapid Response Squad (RRS) Lagos, 2015 – 2021

• Assistant Commissioner of Police, Criminal Investigation Department, Rivers State

• Officer in Charge, Anti-Kidnapping, Rivers State

• Officer in Charge, Special Anti-Robbery Squad, Ondo State/Oyo State, 2011 – 2014

• Divisional Police Officer, Ondo State, 2007 – 2013

• Officer in Charge, Training, Nigeria Police Peace-Keeping Department

• Directing Staff, Nigerian Police Academy, Kano

• Aide-de-Camp (ADC) to former Governor Lagos State

• Officer in Charge, Anti-Fraud, State Criminal Investigation Department, Katsina, 1993 – 1998

Ag. IGP Olatunji Disu is a member of the following associations and bodies: International Academy of Forensics; National Association of Investigative Specialists, United States of America (NAIS), Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Chartered Institute of Personnel Management (CIPM); and the International Association of Chiefs of Police.

He successfully led the first-ever Nigerian Police contingent to the African Union Mission in Sudan (AMIS) to quell the crisis in Darfur, Sudan, in 2005.

He was once National Chairman of the Nigeria Police Judo Association and has won his third black belt in Judo, with many other medals, including a silver medal at the 2022 US Open Judo Championships.

His track record of leadership, professionalism, and dedication to duty underscores his readiness to steer the affairs of the Nigeria Police Force at this critical time.

The Nigeria Police Force expresses profound appreciation to the immediate past Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD, NPM (rtd), for his invaluable contributions to the growth, modernisation, and strengthening of the Force.

The new Acting Inspector-General of Police reassures officers and men of the Force, stakeholders, and the general public of his commitment to consolidating on existing reforms, enhancing internal security, strengthening community partnerships, and advancing the Force’s mandate of protecting lives and property in line with global best practices.

The Nigeria Police Force solicits the continued support and cooperation of the public as the new leadership works to deepen professionalism, discipline, and service delivery.

Ag. ACP BENJAMIN HUNDEYIN, anipr, mipra
Force Public Relations Officer
Force Headquarters, Abuja
25th February, 2026

19/02/2026

INDEPENDENT NATIONAL ELECTORAL COMMISSION

PRESS STATEMENT

OVER 1.5 MILLION VOTERS COLLECT PVCs FOR FCT AREA COUNCIL ELECTION

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) wishes to inform the general public and stakeholders that the collection of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) across the six Area Councils of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has recorded an impressive outcome ahead of the Area Council Election scheduled to hold on Saturday 21st February 2026. As at the close of collection on the 10th of February, 2026, a total of 1,680,315 voters are registered in the FCT.

Out of this figure, 1,587,025 PVCs have been collected, representing an overall collection rate of 94.4 per cent, while 93,290 PVCs remain uncollected.

A breakdown at the Area Council level shows encouraging performance across all six Area Councils:

✓ Abaji Area Council recorded 75,517 collected PVCs out of 79,471 registered voters, representing 95.0 per cent collection rate.

✓ Bwari Area Council recorded 276,360 collected PVCs out of 295,711 registered voters, translating to 93.5 per cent.

✓ Gwagwalada Area Council recorded 196,184 collected PVCs out of 208,057 registered voters, representing 94.3 per cent.

✓ Kuje Area Council recorded 144,109 collected PVCs out of 148,286 registered voters, representing an outstanding 97.2 per cent collection rate.

✓ Kwali Area Council recorded 99,774 collected PVCs out of 107,203 registered voters, representing 93.1 per cent.

✓ Municipal Area Council recorded 795,081 collected PVCs out of 841,587 registered voters, representing 94.5 per cent.

At the Registration Area level, several RAs recorded exceptionally high collection rates, with some exceeding 99 per cent, demonstrating strong grassroots engagement across the Territory.

The Commission commends voters in the FCT for their responsiveness and cooperation throughout the CVR and PVC collection exercises. The impressive figures recorded across the Area Councils indicate strong citizen readiness to participate in the electoral process.

INEC reiterates that only duly registered voters in possession of valid PVCs will be allowed to vote on Election Day. The Commission has put all necessary arrangements in place to ensure a free, fair and credible election.

Mohammed Kudu HarunaNational Commissioner and Chairman, Information & Voter Education Committee
19th February 2026

19/02/2026

BREAKING:

Serving Nigerian Senator from Rivers State and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, Barinada Mpigi, has died.

19/02/2026

Excitement as ARISE With Renewed Hope Initiative Berths in Ika

In furtherance of its mandate to swell grassroot support for the All Progressives Congress in Akwa Ibom State, ARISE With Renewed Hope Initiative, a frontline sociopolitical group for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senator Godswill Akpabio and Governor Umo Eno, today commenced inauguration of Local Government structures, with Ika, Etim Ekpo and Abak LGAs.

Arriving Ika to a turmultous reception, the group's International President, Engr. Uwem Okoko, described tha large turnout as an indication of their endorsement and acceptance of the vision and message of the group, hinged on connecting and sensitizing people at the grassroots to effectively understand the transformative policies of the Tinubu and Eno led administrations.

Engr. Okoko charged stakeholders and people of Ika on the need to reciprocate the developmental efforts of President Tinubu, Senator Akpabio and Governor Eno, in massively turning around the socioeconomic landscape of the area, by mobilizing extensive support for the All Progressives Congress ahead of the 2027 polls.

In his welcome remark, the Chairman Ika Local Government Council, Barr. Utibe Nwoko, assured that the area was already at home with the APC and working to ensure it returns more votes than any party has ever received, while restating commitment to sustaining the organizational ideologies of ARISE with Renewed Hope Initiative.

Setting the tone, the International Coordinator, Sir Udo Kierian Akpan while enumerating impact of the current administration in the area, appreciated the massive turnout as an evidence of their resolve to queue behind President Bola Tinubu, Senator Godswill Akpabio and Governor Umo Eno beyond 2027.

Conveying their goodwill some stakeholders of the area, including the Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Gas) Obongemem Ekperikpe Ekpo, Chairman National Assembly Service Commission, Chief Saviour Enyiekere, Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs. Inibehe Silas, and others assured that Ika will make APC proud in appreciation of democratic dividends they have enjoyed, while promising to massively support the group.

Inaugurating the 31-man Chapter executive headed by Barr. Utibe Nwoko and the Advisory Committee, Chaired by Hon. Malachy Ukpe, the group's Deputy President 1 Barr. Otobong Bob and Deputy President II Hon Nkereuwem Richard Ebong respectively, charged them to leave no one behind in propagating the message of sustaining strides of the Tinubu and Eno led Federal and State governments.

13/02/2026

BREAKING:

Two U.S. Carrier Strike Groups 🇺🇸 Combine Near Iran Over 2 Carriers, 10+ Warships, 130+ Aircraft, and 15,000 Personnel in One Theater

The United States has assembled one of its largest naval concentrations in years as Donald Trump ordered two full Carrier Strike Groups (CSGs) to operate in proximity to Iran, a move widely interpreted as a high-pressure signal that the Middle East is entering a new and dangerous phase.

⚓ Carrier Strike Group 1
USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78)
1 nuclear-powered aircraft carrier
4–5 guided-missile destroyers (Arleigh Burke-class)
1 logistics / supply ship
~75 aircraft total, including:
F/A-18E/F Super Hornet (strike fighters)
EA-18G Growler (electronic warfare)
E-2D Hawkeye (airborne early warning)
MH-60R/S Seahawk helicopters (ASW, SAR, strike support)
~5,000–5,500 personnel (ship + air wing)

⚓ Carrier Strike Group 2
USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72)
1 nuclear-powered aircraft carrier
4–6 guided-missile destroyers / cruisers
1–2 support vessels
~70–75 aircraft, including:
F-35C Lightning II (stealth strike)
F/A-18E/F Super Hornet
EA-18G Growler
E-2D Hawkeye
MH-60 Seahawk helicopters
~6,000–6,500 personnel

📊 Combined Combat Power (Single Operational Zone)
2 aircraft carriers
10–12 major surface combatants
130–150 combat aircraft and helicopters
12,000–15,000 U.S. military personnel
Hundreds of cruise missiles, air-launched precision munitions, and layered missile-defense systems

🌍 Strategic Meaning
This is not a routine rotation. Carrier strike groups do not converge by coincidence. When two carriers operate together, the mission profile shifts from deterrence to full-spectrum war readiness air superiority, maritime dominance, deep-strike capability, and sustained operations without reliance on regional bases.

Officially, Washington describes the deployment as “deterrence.” Unofficially, it is leverage diplomatic pressure backed by steel, fuel rods, and flight decks.

RAW News

10/04/2026

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