A new terror group has reportedly emerged in Nigeria.

This is coming as the country’s military has significantly reduced the influence of Boko Haram, ISWAP and others terror that have wrecked havoc for more than 15 years, especially in the north east.

According to a report, the group, known as Lakurawa, is currently based in Sokoto State, and has embarked on recruitment drive by luring young people through financial incentives.

It would be recalled that the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) recently declared nine suspected members of the new terrorist group wanted.

Edward Buba, director of defence media operations, said the new terror group emerged from the Niger Republic following the coup, which disrupted military cooperation between Nigeria and the country.

He said the terrorists began infiltrating northern parts of Sokoto and Kebbi states from Niger Republic and Mali.

According to repots, the new terrorist group is offering as much as N1million to young men in exchange for their allegiance.

The report said the financial incentives are part of an aggressive recruitment campaign aimed at attracting followers to their cause.

By Bonaventure Melah

President Bola Tinubu has approved the reappointment of Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha as the Director General, National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA), for a second tenure of five years.

This is contained in a press statement issued by Toyin Omozuwa, Press Secretary to the NBRDA D-G in Abuja on Saturday.

According to the statement, Mustapha’s reappointment was conveyed in a letter signed by the Secretary to the Government (SGF), Sen. George Akume.

“Mustapha’s second tenure is with effect from 31st October, 2024 and is in line with the provisions of Section 10 (1) and (3) of the National Biotechnology Development Agency (Establishment) Act, 2022,” it said.

Omozuwa said that Industry experts consider the reappointment as an expression of President Tinubu’s confidence in Mustapha’s ability to drive innovation towards attaining food security

According to him, the reappointment would enable the DG to complete his work in enhancing pharmaceutical production, as well as positioning Nigeria at the forefront of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

Mustapha is a Professor of Bioinorganic Chemistry and hails from Dambatta Local Government Area of Kano State.

The Catholic Diocese of Auchi in Edo State yesterday, announced the release of Rev. Fr. Thomas Oyode from the hands of his abductors.

The Director of Communications of the Diocese, Rev. Fr. Peter Egielewa, in a statement, said Rev. Fr. Oyode was released at about 7.00p.m on Wednesday, 6th of November, 2024 at a village close to Ajaokuta, Kogi State.

Fr. Thomas Oyode was kidnapped on the 27th October 2024 when gunmen attacked the Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary, Ivhianokpodi-Agenebode, Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State, while the Priests and Seminarians were observing their evening prayers and Benediction.

“The Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Auchi, Most Rev. Dr. Gabriel Dunia, expresses gratitude to all for the prayers and moral support received for the 11 days Fr. Thomas Oyode was held captive, including Catholic Faithful within and outside the Diocese, well-meaning Nigerians within and outside the country, friends and well wishers around the world, as well as security agencies, various vigilance groups and hunters who laboured day and night in search of Fr. Thomas Oyode.

“The Bishop also uses this opportunity to call on government at all levels to work to arrest the deteriorating security situation around the Edo North Senatorial District and Edo State and take pro-active steps to put in place measures that will guarantee that people return to their normal peaceful lives in their homes, in their farms and while on transit,” the statement said.