News
Army Speaks on Alleged Terrorists’ Plan to Attack Institutions
The Nigerian Army has rejected a circulating document alleging that terrorists are preparing to attack schools, churches, mosques, NYSC orientation camps and other public facilities across the country.
Army spokesperson, Col. Appolonia Anele, said the document did not originate from the military and should not be regarded as an authentic Army intelligence alert.
Anele described the document as “fake” and said its circulation appeared designed to create fear and tension among members of the public.
She, however, said the Army was not taking security threats lightly, adding that military commands had been directed to remain vigilant and prevent any successful attack on vulnerable facilities.
The development followed the circulation of an alleged memo addressed to formations and units of the 2 Division Nigerian Army, containing claims of possible coordinated attacks across several parts of Nigeria.
An officer attached to the division also expressed doubts about the authenticity of the document, saying a similar message had reached the General Officer Commanding the division.
“Even though I doubt the authenticity. My GOC said he got the same message before we left for Benin two days ago. That he has directed commands on it.
“I feel it is one of those text messages circulated to create palpable fear,” the officer said.
The disputed document claimed that intelligence had revealed increased mobilisation of fighters and resources by terrorist groups for possible attacks on vulnerable locations.
It mentioned the North-East, North-West, North-Central and parts of the South-West as areas allegedly at risk, while identifying churches, schools, NYSC orientation camps and other public facilities as possible targets.
The document further alleged that Catholic and Protestant churches, primary and secondary schools and other locations with large gatherings had been identified for possible attacks.
It also claimed that armed fighters had moved from Katsina through Kaduna towards Plateau State, describing the alleged movement as part of intelligence that had heightened concern among security formations.
“Further intelligence revealed that suspected members of Islamic States West African Province (ISWAP) have commenced surveillance and reconnaissance activities against identified targets with support from their local collaborators,” the document stated.
Another claim in the document was that educational institutions could be targeted around the resumption of the 2026/2027 academic session, with the alleged attackers seeking to exploit the presence of large numbers of students and staff.
It claimed such attacks could cause mass casualties and increase fear ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The Army’s response came against the backdrop of a separate security warning reportedly issued by the Department of State Services to religious leaders in Osun State.
DSS officials reportedly met Muslim and Christian leaders in Osogbo and advised them to strengthen security around places where large numbers of people gather.
President of the Osun State Muslim Community, Alhaji Mustapha Olawuyi, confirmed the meeting and said the security agency had asked religious leaders to take precautions.
“The meeting is true; it was held on Wednesday in Osogbo. We need to be careful and vigilant. These people (terrorists) have been trying to infiltrate Osun for quite some time,” Olawuyi said.
According to him, the DSS warned mosque leaders to pay attention to suspicious vehicles, unfamiliar persons and activities around worship centres.
“The DSS came from Abuja to Osun to warn us about a plot by some politicians and terrorists to frustrate the 2027 election, and for every one of us to be careful,” he said.
Olawuyi said the advice was subsequently communicated to imams across the state.
Christian leaders were also reportedly briefed by the DSS. Osun State Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Pastor John Adeleke, said churches were advised to improve their security awareness and pay attention to unfamiliar visitors and vehicles.
A report circulated among Christian leaders alleged that terrorists had mapped Osun State as part of a wider plan to attack states before the 2027 presidential election.
The report claimed that the suspected attackers could move through Kaduna and Jos before heading towards Osun, with churches, mosques, markets, schools, clubs and viewing centres identified as possible targets.
Adeleke said the information was shared with CAN blocs and other Christian groups so that religious leaders could take precautionary measures.
“After sharing with us that the churches will need to be careful and that we should encourage our churches also to be on alert, we sent the message to all our blocs and different platforms, where our people may be informed,” he said.
He added that church leaders were advised to be cautious about vehicles parked close to worship centres and to properly identify visitors before allowing them into church premises.
“They also said we should be careful of night programmes, so that the people will not take advantage of the darkness to perpetrate their evil plans. The message is that our people should be security-conscious. If they see anything, they should say it,” Adeleke said.
Health
EXCLUSIVE: Ebola: 34-year-old pilot, wife identified as suspected cases who tested negative in North-east Nigeria
A 34-year-old pilot and his wife, a medical doctor, were the two people investigated for suspected Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in Adamawa State after developing symptoms including fever, vomiting, fatigue, headache, cough, bleeding gums and nosebleeds.
Although Nigerian officials said two suspected Ebola cases were being investigated in the state and eventually turned negative, their identities were not disclosed. PREMIUM TIMES can now disclose the officials’ identities, though we are redacting their names.
An internal memo from the Adamawa State Ministry of Health and Human Services, obtained exclusively by PREMIUM TIMES, said the couple were admitted to the isolation centre of the Modibbo Adama University Teaching Hospital (MAUTH), Yola, on 29 October.
The memo, dated 30 October 2026 and signed by the State Epidemiologist, Jones Kadabiyu, said the Adamawa State Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC) received the report at 6:45 a.m. following a clinician’s report from MAUTH.
The development came as health authorities intensified surveillance following Nigeria’s confirmation of its first Ebola case in the current outbreak.
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) had on Saturday announced that two suspected Ebola cases had been identified in the North-east, but did not initially disclose the state where the cases were detected.
However, the agency later confirmed that the two suspected cases were in Adamawa, noting that the laboratory tests on samples from both individuals were negative for Ebola after two rounds of testing.
In a statement signed by its Director-General, Jide Idris, the NCDC said it was working with the Adamawa State government to investigate the suspected cases.
The agency said it isolated the two individuals and immediately activated public health measures while collecting samples for laboratory testing.
“Fortunately, the samples turned out negative for EBV after two rounds of testing,” Mr Idris said.
The NCDC said there is currently no laboratory-confirmed Ebola case in Adamawa State, adding that the previously confirmed case in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) remains the only confirmed case in Nigeria.
What PREMIUM TIMES learnt
According to the memo, the pilot developed symptoms on 13 October, while his wife developed similar symptoms on 25 October.
The names of the two patients are contained in the documents seen by PREMIUM TIMES. However, this newspaper is withholding their identities to protect their privacy.
A preliminary report dated 31 October from Yola North Local Government Area (LGA), Adamawa State, said the pilot travelled to Kenya “for personal reasons” on 14 October and returned to Nigeria on 25 October. It said he had developed a fever before his trip and was treated for malaria.
“Prior to his departure, he reportedly developed a fever on 13 October 2026 and was treated for malaria. He reportedly remained well while in Kenya,” it noted.
However, upon returning to Yola, he developed symptoms including fever, nausea and vomiting, fatigue, headache, cough, bleeding gums and nosebleeds. His wife subsequently developed similar symptoms after caring for him at home.
They were both admitted at the MAUTH isolation centre.
The state health authorities collected samples from both patients on 30 October and transported them to the National Reference Laboratory for testing, according to the report.
Contacts traced
The memo report said 18 contacts had been identified, traced and line-listed, while the preliminary report dated 31 October put the number at 17.
The PHEOC also notified the State Rapid Response Team, the State NCDC office, Local Government Disease Surveillance and Notification Officers, the World Health Organisation (WHO) and UNICEF.
The state health authorities recommended continued contact tracing, infection prevention and control measures, enhanced surveillance and coordination with relevant authorities.
The NCDC has urged Nigerians to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information.
It also advised people who develop symptoms such as fever, severe weakness, headache, muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhoea or unexplained bleeding, particularly after a relevant exposure, to seek immediate medical attention.
READ ALSO: Ebola: Saudi Arabia suspends travel to Kenya, halts visa issuance
Ebola outbreak
Nigeria is one of five countries that have detected Bundibugyo virus disease during the current outbreak, which began in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in May.
The outbreak has remained concentrated in the DRC but has spread beyond the country.
Nigeria’s first confirmed case of Ebola in 2026 was a woman who travelled from Uganda to Abuja and tested positive on 20 October. She was subsequently medically evacuated to Switzerland for continued treatment.
The NCDC’s latest situation report said 62 contacts linked to Nigeria’s confirmed case had been identified and were being monitored.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Pate, had said genomic analysis showed that the virus detected in the Nigerian patient was closely related to the strain identified in Kenya’s first imported case. He, however, said the finding did not establish that the Nigerian patient was infected in Kenya.
WHO’s latest update reported 10,274 confirmed cases and 4,992 deaths in the DRC as of 28 October. Kenya had recorded nine confirmed cases and two deaths, while Nigeria had one confirmed case at the time of the update.
Ebola is a viral disease that can cause severe illness and spreads mainly through direct contact with the blood or other body fluids of an infected person.
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News
Halloween Fever Hits Showtime Flag Football League As Gameweek 6 Promises Revenge, Rivalries, Giant-Killing Drama And Prizes In Lagos
Lagos is preparing for a Sunday unlike any other as the Showtime Flag Football League Season XV returns with five explosive Gameweek 6 encounters, a Halloween-themed celebration, a best-dressed competition and prizes for fans at Showtime Arena, Meadow Hall, Lekki, on November 1, 2026.
After a sensational Gameweek 5 that saw established champions humbled, historic rivalries rewritten and unexpected heroes emerge, the stage is set for another extraordinary afternoon of flag football and entertainment.
This time, the excitement will extend beyond the pitch.
Showtime has announced a special Halloween Sunday, inviting supporters to arrive in their most creative costumes and compete for a cash prize in the Best Dressed contest. Halloween-themed games at Showtime Socials and activities around the Fan Village will add to the festive atmosphere.
But while fans compete for prizes off the field, ten teams will be fighting for something equally valuable on it: victory, pride and momentum in the championship race.
Delta Panthers versus Rivers Alphas opens the programme with a confrontation between two teams desperate to escape their recent disappointments.
Panthers were demolished 52–0 by defending champions Lagos Knights in Gameweek 5, while Rivers Alphas suffered a 38–0 defeat against Gateway Horns.
Both sides have endured difficult outings, making their meeting an opportunity to change the narrative. For Delta Panthers quarterback Jite Ughojor, the challenge is to revive an attack that struggled against the Knights. Rivers Alphas must rediscover their confidence after another frustrating afternoon.
The second encounter brings Delta Braves against Gateway Horns, with the Horns looking to build on their impressive victory over Rivers Alphas.
Gateway quarterback Adebare Adejumo delivered an influential Gameweek 5 performance, while Nwokolo Prominence claimed MVP honours. The Braves will need a disciplined defensive display to contain a Horns attack that has rediscovered its scoring touch.
Then comes one of the afternoon’s most intriguing fixtures: Lagos Greenbacks versus Lagos Rebels.
The Greenbacks arrive with renewed confidence after stunning two-time champions Abia Warriors 14–12 in one of Gameweek 5’s biggest surprises.
Receiver Obiekezie Chiamaka, who earned MVP recognition against the Warriors, and quarterback Oluremi Jedidiah will be crucial figures as Greenbacks attempt to claim another major scalp.
However, the Rebels possess considerable attacking firepower. Quarterback Sulaimon Alhameen has already demonstrated his quality this season, while receiver Fawaz Azeez was recently recognised as Showtime’s Player of the Week.
With local pride at stake, the all-Lagos encounter promises intensity and drama.
Abia Warriors against Ibom Raptors offers another fascinating storyline.
Both teams suffered painful Gameweek 5 defeats. Warriors were shocked by Greenbacks, while the Raptors surrendered a 19–6 halftime advantage before losing 31–19 to Cross River Ikan Sports.
For the two-time champion Warriors, another defeat would raise uncomfortable questions about their championship ambitions.
For Raptors quarterback Taiwo Oluwalanu and receiver Mustapha Babatunde, the fixture offers an immediate opportunity to restore confidence.
Yet the most compelling storyline may be saved for the final contest.
Cross River Ikan Sports versus Lagos Knights pits a team celebrating a historic breakthrough against the reigning champions.
Ikan Sports made history in Gameweek 5 by defeating Ibom Raptors for the first time in their league rivalry. Mukaila Rasheedat earned MVP honours, while Umeh Chisom played an important role in the remarkable turnaround.
Now comes a considerably bigger examination.
Lagos Knights, inspired by quarterback Kayode Mafe and MVP performer Bowofoluwa Oyerinde, enter the encounter following their extraordinary 52–0 demolition of Delta Panthers.
The Knights are determined to protect the championship they won in Season XIV. Ikan Sports, meanwhile, have already demonstrated that reputations can be overturned.
Can the history-makers produce another shock, or will the champions remind everyone why they wear the crown?
Beyond the individual fixtures, Gameweek 6 represents another important chapter in Showtime’s mission to grow flag football in Nigeria.
The 2026/27 season features 18 regular-season gameweeks, additional 5v5 Co-ed Cup competitions and a championship journey scheduled to conclude in May 2027.
With flag football preparing for its Olympic debut at Los Angeles 2028, the athletes competing in Lagos are helping bring greater visibility to a sport with growing international significance.
For families, sports enthusiasts, young athletes and anyone searching for a different Sunday experience in Lagos, Showtime is offering a combination of live competition, community activities, costumes and entertainment.
Gameweek 6 begins on Sunday, November 1, 2026, with the event advertised from 1:20pm at Showtime Arena, Meadow Hall, Lekki, Lagos.
Tickets are available through the league’s official website, with general admission, VIP and VIP+ options.
Come for the touchdowns. Stay for the atmosphere. Dress for Halloween. Cheer for your favourite team.
Because this Sunday, the biggest surprise might happen on the field — or in the crowd.
The Game Is The Show!
Sports247 — Official Media Partner
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