1. The Department of State Services has alerted Muslim and Christian leaders in Osun State to an alleged plan by terrorists to attack places of worship and other public gathering centres as part of efforts to frustrate the 2027 general elections, Sunday PUNCH has gathered.
It was learnt that the DSS held separate meetings with the Muslim community and the Christian Association of Nigeria in Osogbo on Wednesday, where the religious leaders were advised to take preventive measures against possible attacks.
The development followed an intelligence report that terrorists were plotting to spread insecurity to the southern part of the country, especially the South-West, and create tension in the build-up to the presidential election.
2. Saudi Arabia issued emergency alerts in two areas on Saturday after explosions were heard off the coast of Iran’s Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz. Saudi Civil Defence issued alerts for Khamis Mushait Governorate and Abha city in the Asir province, warning residents of a “potential danger”. The alerts advised members of the public to move to the nearest safe place and remain there until the danger had passed.
3. Nigeria on Saturday reaffirmed its commitment to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and the multilateral trading system, saying no country can prosper in isolation from the global community. Vice President Kashim Shettima, who restated Nigeria’s position, assured that the country would continue to support the WTO in strengthening multilateralism and promoting a global system built on cooperation rather than isolation.
4. The Nigerian Army has commenced an investigation into an allegation of sexual abuse involving a serving officer, Captain Etim Essien, attached to the Headquarters of 3 Division, Jos, Plateau State. The Army disclosed this in a statement issued on Saturday by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 3 Division, Lt. Col. Olumide Olukoya, amid reports of the alleged incident circulating online.
5. Troops of 4 Brigade Nigerian Army, operating under Operation WABAIZIGAN, have arrested a suspected kidnapper and recovered an AK-47 rifle along the Benin–Sapele Road in Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area of Edo State.
In a post on its X handle on Saturday, the army said the suspect, identified as Olamide Oyeniyi, was arrested on 12 September 2026 at Obaretin Community during a targeted operation aimed at disrupting criminal activities and securing major transportation routes. Items recovered from the suspect include one AK-47 rifle, one magazine, eight rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition, a Tecno mobile phone, two bags, a torchlight, a music box, and assorted charms.
6. Petrol pump prices rose to N1,395 per litre on Saturday as filling stations adjusted to the Dangote Petroleum Refinery’s latest pricing regime, which raised its gantry price to N1,350 per litre. Checks on Saturday showed that the Dangote-backed MRS filling station in Alapere, Lagos, increased its price from N1,310 to N1,395, while the price was N1,385 at the Mobil filling station on the same axis.
7. Operatives of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command have raided a suspected criminal hideout in Idu Uruan Village, Uruan Local Government Area of the state, arrested two suspected drug dealers and recovered a large quantity of substances suspected to be Indian hemp and Cannabis sativa. The operation was carried out at about 1:30am on September 9, 2026, following credible intelligence on the activities of criminal elements operating from the location.
8. The Ondo State Government has confirmed the deaths of 29 people from suspected poisoning linked to the consumption of alcoholic substances in Odigbo Local Government Area. The Commissioner for Health, Dr Banji Ajaka, who disclosed this on Friday night in Akure, said there were 60 suspected cases from the incident.
9. A former governor of the defunct Gongola State and former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, has died. The elder statesman and businessman died on Saturday after an illness whose nature was not immediately disclosed.
10. The Auditor-General for the Federation has uncovered contract and procurement irregularities valued at N124.12bn across several Federal Government ministries, departments and agencies. The infractions ranged from irregular contract awards and violations of procurement procedures to payments for jobs and contracts that were either not executed or poorly executed.
