Crime
1,617 civil servants with fake employment letters uncovered by FG
The Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Folashade Yemi-Esan, Tuesday said that a total of 1,618 civil servants with fake employment letters were uncovered by the government.
She also noted that the government was working towards an upward review of the Duty Tour Allowances of civil servants.
Speaking with selected journalists in Abuja ahead of the 2023 Civil Servants Week, she noted that a committee was working towards salary harmonization in the civil service.
“The Presidential Committee on Salary Harmonization is working to review salaries to reduce the disparity. Earlier, 40 per cent of Basic salary approved by FEC as Peculiar allowance with effect from January 2023. Also, we are working towards Upward Review of Staff Duty Tour Allowance.
“On the issue of procurement of insurance cover for the federal government employees from 9th February 2023 to 8th February 2024; and payment of backlog of death benefits to over 1500 deceased officers to their beneficiaries from 2021 to date. On the third pillar of FCSSIP 25, the Office of the Head of Service has been working towards the implementation of HR Module of IPPIS with a view to bridging the identified gaps in the system. As you are aware, prior to the introduction of the current mechanisms put in place to drive the implementation of the IPPIS, the system was bedevilled with considerable leakages and wastes as well as the incessant infiltration of ‘ghost workers’ etc.
“Consequent upon the identified loopholes in the IPPIS, the Office introduced control mechanisms. Notable among others was the inauguration of a Committee on Enrolment of Newly Recruited Civil Servants on the 1st of March, 2021. Hence, this and other initiatives in accelerating the roll-out of the HR Module of the IPPIS has brought about the following: Detection of 1,618 fake/illegal employment letters; Continuous suspension of Officers from IPPIS platform for not uploading their records; Verification of 69,854 officers across the core MDAs in FCT and the six (6) geo-political zones.”
Meanwhile, the Accountant General of the Federation, Oluwatoyin Madein, on Tuesday noted that there won’t be a delay in payment of July 2023 salaries for civil servants. She made this clarification during the meeting with the HOS Abuja.
It was earlier reported that there were delays in the payment of May 2023 and June 2023 salaries.
Madein noted that the delay in May and June 2023 salaries were due to some bottlenecks beyond the control of the Office of the Accountant General. She, however, noted that modalities have been put in place to ensure that salaries are paid as and when due.
She said, “For May and June, we encountered some difficulties beyond our control but I can assure you that everything has been put in place to ensure that July 2023 salaries are not delayed and will be paid any moment from now.”
Crime
Wanted Soldier Arrested for Supplying Military Gear to Terrorists
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have arrested a Nigerian Army soldier recently declared wanted for allegedly supplying military accoutrements to terrorists and other criminal elements.
Private Mohammed Yusuf of the Nigerian Army Ordnance Kits Factory, Lagos, was apprehended at about 6:30 p.m. on July 25 by personnel of the 7 Provost Group at Jidari Bus Stop in Maiduguri. He was reportedly attempting to flee to the Republic of Cameroon when he was arrested following credible human intelligence.

The soldier had been declared wanted by the Nigerian Army on July 23. Preliminary investigations indicate that he absconded from his unit on July 7, 2026, before relocating to Maiduguri. He allegedly went into hiding in the Gomari Costain area of Jere Local Government Area with the assistance of an associate.
The military said the arrest underscores the effectiveness of intelligence-driven operations and reaffirms the Nigerian Army’s commitment to holding personnel accountable for actions that undermine military ethics, discipline and national security.
Private Yusuf is currently in the custody of the 7 Provost Group, where further investigations are ongoing to determine the full extent of his alleged activities and identify any accomplices.
Operation HADIN KAI reiterated that there is no safe haven for individuals who support terrorism or engage in any form of criminality, regardless of their status.
Crime
BREAKING: DSS, Zamfara Forces Rescue 4 Kidnapped Students
In a significant breakthrough, operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) and Zamfara State security forces have successfully rescued the four remaining students of the Federal Polytechnic, Kaura Namoda, who were abducted by suspected bandits.
The joint operation marks the latest success in efforts to secure the release of victims from the June abduction incident, where gunmen stormed off-campus student accommodations in the early hours, taking several students hostage.
Security sources confirmed that the students were recovered unharmed during intelligence-led raids. Details of the exact location and circumstances of the rescue are still emerging, but authorities described the operation as swift and coordinated.
This rescue comes amid ongoing security challenges in Zamfara State, where banditry has plagued communities and educational institutions. Earlier reports indicated that seven students were initially kidnapped, with some previously rescued or having escaped.
The Zamfara State Police Command and DSS have been praised for their collaborative efforts in tackling insecurity in the region. Families of the rescued students expressed relief and gratitude to the security agencies.
Authorities have reiterated their commitment to restoring peace in the northwest and urged residents to provide timely intelligence to security forces. Further updates on the investigation and possible arrests are expected.
This is a developing story.
Crime
DSS Set to Arraign Three Suspects Over Oriire School Abductions
The Department of State Services (DSS) is set to arraign three suspects before the Federal High Court on Wednesday, 23 July 2026, over their alleged involvement in the Oriire school abductions and related terrorism activities.
The suspects — Abdulrazak Umar (also known as Abu Khalifa or Abu Khalid), Yunusa Musa (also known as Yunusa Bin Musa), and Shamsu Adamu Sani (also known as Abu Itisar) — all hail from Niger State. They face a 10-count charge bordering on kidnapping, concealment of information, and terrorism-related offences.
According to the charges, the defendants are accused of knowingly withholding vital information about individuals linked to terrorist activities, actively participating in kidnapping operations, and using a messaging platform to facilitate terrorist training.
The planned arraignment marks the formal commencement of their criminal trial. The court is expected to take the defendants’ pleas and issue further directions on the matter.
The development comes as security agencies continue efforts to hold accountable those involved in the abduction of schoolchildren in Oriire and similar incidents across the region.
-
Business3 days agoNaira Exchange Rates Across Black Market, CBN, Commercial Banks Friday, July 24
-
News3 days agoEleven poets jostle for $100,000, ‘Nigeria Prize for Literature 2026’
-
Business3 days agoUS subjects imports from Nigeria to 12.5% tariff
-
News3 days agoPetrol hits N1,400/l as Brent Surges To $100
-
Business3 days agoMTN Nigeria asks customers to trade old SIM packs for prizes
-
News3 days agoAmupitan wants INEC to be funded directly from federation’s account
-
News3 days agoIGP declares operation 14-day to flush out criminals in Benue
-
News3 days agoArmy declares soldier wanted for alleged sale of military uniforms to terrorists
