• VON DG,Mallam Jibrin Baba Ndance

Voice of Nigeria (VON) is broadcasting news in nine local and international languages.

The languages are English, Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba, Fulfulde, Kiswahili, French, Arabic and Mandarin, with Mandarin added in 2026.

The Director-General of VON, Mallam Jibrin Baba Ndance , disclosed this in Calabar during the 82nd General Assembly of the Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON), themed: “Broadcast Media – Bedrock of Democratic and Economic Advancement in Nigeria.”

Ndace said VON, which started as the External Service of the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation before becoming autonomous in the early 1990s, now broadcasts in nine languages.

He explained that the multilingual approach reflects Nigeria’s diversity and reinforces the principle that stories are most powerful when told in languages audiences understand and identify with.

Ndace said while VON tells Nigeria’s story to the world, it is committed to promoting national unity, development, peace and the country’s positive image.

He called for stronger collaboration among public, private and international broadcasters, urging them to embrace innovation, uphold professional standards and use their platforms responsibly.

A Nigerian Air Force helicopter has made a precautionary landing in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, after completing a close air support operation targeting suspected kidnappers in Ogbadigbo Local Government Area of the state.

The incident occurred on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, with the helicopter landing on farmland in the Utur, Tse-Igboji area of Makurdi.

According to the Nigerian Air Force, the pilot, while returning to base after the operation, exercised professional discretion to make a precautionary landing approximately ten nautical miles from the airfield, in line with established operational and safety procedures following combat missions.

The Air Force says the operation disrupted the activities of suspected kidnappers and supported the advance of surface forces. The helicopter has since returned to base.

The NAF says it remains committed to sustaining pressure on criminal elements and supporting surface forces through coordinated air and ground operations.

END.

The military, Department of State Services, DSS, police and other security agencies have rescued twenty prospective National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, members and one civilian abducted in Imo State.

The victims were reportedly abducted while travelling through the state, prompting security agencies to launch an operation to locate and rescue them.

The rescued victims are currently receiving medical attention at a DSS facility, according to security sources, while efforts are ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the abduction and apprehend any remaining suspects.