News

Troops neutralise militia member in Plateau, recover two local rifles

Published

2 months ago

August 10, 2026

Troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP) have neutralised an armed militia member and recovered two locally fabricated AK-47 rifles following an attack and heavy gunfire in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State.

The incident occurred on Sunday, August 9, 2026, following reports of suspicious movements around the bushes linking Kantoma, Bwom and Jakatai communities.

According to security sources available to counter-terrorism expert Zagazola Makama, the troops stationed at Maraban Kantoma received a distress call from local youth leaders at about 3:51 p.m., reporting the movement of unidentified persons in the adjoining bushes.

The situation reportedly escalated when armed militia members attacked Rangai community in Mangu Halle District, firing sporadically.

Troops from the NYSC camp immediately responded to the distress call and moved to confront the attackers.

At about the same time, a joint clearance and show-of-force team operating under Operation RAINBOW, led by its coordinator, was travelling from Mangun towards Jos when residents at Jakatai reportedly alerted the team to the developing security situation.

The team diverted towards Jakatai and engaged the armed elements, while troops operating along the Kantoma axis reportedly came under heavy gunfire from the militia members.

The troops responded with superior firepower, forcing the attackers to retreat in disarray.

During the exchange, one militia member was reportedly neutralised inside Jakatai community, while others fled in different directions.

Two locally fabricated AK-47 rifles were subsequently recovered by the troops—one from the neutralised suspect and another reportedly abandoned by a fleeing attacker.

“The troops responded immediately to the distress call and engaged the attackers, preventing the violence from spreading to neighbouring communities,” the sources said.

The body of the neutralised suspect was later deposited at the Barkin Ladi General Hospital mortuary, while the security team continued its movement towards Jos.

However, shortly after the attack was repelled, civil unrest reportedly broke out in Jakatai, where youths and women barricaded the Mangu-Jos Highway, disrupting traffic and temporarily affecting public order.

Following the development, the Commander, Sector 8, directed troops to reopen the highway and disperse the protesters. The troops subsequently conducted an on-the-spot assessment of the Rangai general area.

“The immediate priority was to reopen the highway, restore the free movement of traffic and prevent further escalation of the situation,” a security source said.

The incident has once again highlighted the volatile security situation in parts of Plateau State, particularly in areas where armed groups continue to pose threats to communities and security personnel.

News

SSA Adeboye Opens Talks With Morocco on Grassroots Sports Partnership, International Opportunities for Nigerian Talents

Published

29 minutes ago

October 21, 2026

PlateauReports

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Grassroots Sports Development, Hon. Adeboye Anthony Adeyinka, has taken another step towards expanding international opportunities for young Nigerian athletes following a diplomatic engagement with the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco to Nigeria, His Excellency Moha Ou Ali Tagma, in Abuja.

Adeboye, who paid a courtesy visit to the Moroccan Embassy on Tuesday, held discussions with the Ambassador on strengthening bilateral cooperation in grassroots sports development, talent discovery, technical exchange and youth empowerment.

The meeting explored opportunities for both countries to leverage their sporting relationships to create sustainable development pathways for young athletes, coaches and sports administrators.

Speaking during the engagement, Adeboye emphasised that Nigeria’s ambition to become a stronger sporting nation requires strategic international partnerships capable of connecting grassroots talents with modern training methods, technical expertise and competitive opportunities.

“Our responsibility is not simply to discover talents but to ensure they have the right environment, exposure and opportunities to develop. Morocco has made significant investments in sports development, and there are valuable areas where both countries can collaborate for the benefit of our young people,” Adeboye stated.

The Presidential aide noted that sports diplomacy has become an important instrument for strengthening international relationships while creating opportunities for economic growth, cultural exchange and youth development.

He explained that collaboration between Nigeria and Morocco could open doors for coaching education, technical assistance, youth competitions, institutional partnerships and knowledge-sharing initiatives.

“We want partnerships that move beyond discussions to practical programmes. When young athletes, coaches and administrators have opportunities to learn, compete and exchange ideas internationally, the benefits ultimately return to our communities and national sporting system,” he added.

Adeboye also stressed the importance of creating structured pathways through which talented young Nigerians, particularly those emerging from schools, academies and community competitions, can access development opportunities without being limited by their backgrounds.

The visit comes as the Office of the Senior Special Assistant continues preparations for the National Grassroots Sports Development Summit 2026, scheduled for November 18 and 19 at the Banquet Hall, Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The Summit, themed “Creating a New Pathway for Sustainable Grassroots Sports Development,” is expected to provide a platform for strengthening domestic and international partnerships towards a more sustainable sports development framework.

Adeboye expressed appreciation to Ambassador Tagma for the warm reception and constructive discussions, describing the engagement as an encouraging foundation for exploring mutually beneficial cooperation.

“Nigeria and Morocco share a passion for sports and a strong belief in the potential of young people. We must translate that shared interest into opportunities that can positively impact the next generation,” he said.

The Presidential aide reaffirmed his Office’s commitment to pursuing partnerships that strengthen grassroots participation, improve talent development and position Nigerian youths for greater sporting opportunities internationally.

Business

How Your Side Hustle Income Ends Up in Your RSA

Published

1 hour ago

October 21, 2026

PlateauReports

BY NKECHI NAECHE-ESEZOBOR—The income you save through the various side hustles can be contributed into your Retirement Savings Account (RSA).

For workers in the formal sector—such as those in federal government agencies, teachers, parastatals, university lecturers, staffs etc.—this can be contributed as an additional fund via voluntary contributions.

While, for those in the informal sector—such as market women, barbers, traders, students, petty traders, shop owners, etc.—their contributions will go into their Personal Pension Plan account.

All of these must go through Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs) approved by the National Pension Commission, (PenCom).

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